The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, observed annually on December 27, serves as a vital reminder of the need to strengthen global and national systems to mitigate the impacts of health crises. For Nigeria, this day is particularly significant given the country’s vulnerability to epidemics such as Lassa fever, cholera, and, most recently, COVID-19. The economic repercussions of these outbreaks underscore the urgent need for proactive investments in epidemic preparedness to safeguard public health and ensure economic stability.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, with cascading effects on the economy. Lockdowns and movement restrictions disrupted supply chains, shuttered businesses, and led to job losses across key sectors. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s GDP contracted by 6.1 per cent in the second quarter of 2020, marking one of the deepest recessions in recent history. These economic shocks illustrate how health crises can swiftly destabilise even the most resilient economies.
Proactive epidemic preparedness is not merely a health imperative; it is an economic strategy. Investing in early warning systems, disease surveillance, and healthcare infrastructure can significantly reduce the economic toll of epidemics. For instance, countries with robust epidemic response mechanisms, such as South Korea, managed to minimize economic disruptions during COVID-19 by swiftly containing the virus. Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to mitigate future risks.
One key area for improvement is funding. Nigeria’s healthcare expenditure remains below the 15 per cent target set by the Abuja Declaration, limiting the country’s capacity to respond effectively to health emergencies. Increasing budgetary allocations to health and establishing dedicated emergency response funds could ensure the availability of resources when crises arise. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can also play a pivotal role in bridging funding gaps, as demonstrated by collaborations during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide testing and vaccination services.
The private sector, particularly in pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, has a crucial role to play in epidemic preparedness. Strengthening local production of essential medical supplies, such as vaccines, personal protective equipment, and diagnostic kits, would reduce dependency on imports and ensure timely availability during outbreaks. Initiatives like the recently established Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, a joint venture to produce vaccines domestically, are steps in the right direction.
Moreover, public awareness and community engagement are critical to effective epidemic response. During the Ebola outbreak in 2014, Nigeria’s success in containing the virus was largely due to efficient communication and grassroots mobilisation. Replicating this model for future epidemics requires continuous education and collaboration with community leaders to foster trust and compliance with public health measures.
Epidemic preparedness also has significant implications for Nigeria’s agriculture sector, which contributes approximately 25 per cent to the nation’s GDP. Zoonotic diseases, which originate from animals, pose a persistent threat to both public health and food security. Strengthening veterinary services and adopting a One Health approach—which integrates human, animal, and environmental health—can mitigate these risks and protect livelihoods.
The economic benefits of epidemic preparedness extend beyond crisis management. A healthy population is a productive population. By reducing the frequency and severity of health emergencies, Nigeria can enhance workforce productivity, attract foreign investment, and sustain economic growth. The lessons of COVID-19 must not be forgotten; instead, they should catalys-e a shift toward resilience and sustainability.
tional Day of Epidemic Preparedness, Nigeria must prioritize actions that integrate health security with economic planning. By investing in preparedness today, the country can protect lives, preserve livelihoods, and build a more resilient economy for future generations. Epidemics may be inevitable, but their devastating impacts on Nigeria’s economy and society are not. The time to act is now.
