Nigeria has pledged more $1million to the continent-wide cause against Ebola and backed the establishment of an African Centre for Disease Control.
President Muhammadu Buhari announced the donation before leaders meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea at The International Conference on Africa’s Fight against Ebola.
The president’s message was delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Federal ministry of health, Dr. Linus Awute.
He also told leaders that the centre would help build capacities of countries across the continent to enhance health.
“The major lesson learned to share at this conference is that we are not yet celebrating the end of Ebola in Nigeria until this disease is totally eliminated from the West African region where it harbours itself right now,” said Buhari.
The president said the centre for disease control being envisaged would be a security tool for Africa, and must be owned by member states with support from the African Union, the World Health Organisation and other partners.
The call for an African Centre for Disease Control, which will get support from regional centres, was formally advanced when AU member states held a special summit on HIV, TB and Malaria in Abuja in July 2013.
The West African regional bloc is the first to follow up on a regional centre.
Nigeria’s own Centre has been recognized as the regional centre in recognition of its role in curtailing the spread of Ebola in Nigeria and the region.