Nigeria turns evidence into action to protect health and save lives

Abuja, On World Health Day 2026, under the theme "Together for health. Stand with science," Nigeria is highlighting how evidence-based approaches are strengthening public health and improving outcomes across the country.

To reinforce this commitment, Nigeria continues to implement national priorities outlined in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), ensuring that scientific evidence directly informs policy and practice.
Scientific evidence remains vital for effective public health actions-guiding disease prevention, enabling early detection of outbreaks, and informing timely responses. In Nigeria, these strategies are being implemented on a large scale through government leadership and partnership with entities, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

Evidence guiding public health progress
Nigeria, home to more than 230 million people, has made measurable progress through sustained investment in evidence-based interventions led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Key public health achievements include:
Polio eradication: Nigeria contributed to the certification of the WHO African Region as free of wild poliovirus in 2020, following years of coordinated vaccination and surveillance.

Guinea worm eradication: The disease was eliminated through community-based surveillance and improved access to safe water, with the last case reported in 2008.

Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) control: Mass drug administration programmes continue to reduce transmission and prevent disability in endemic communities.

HPV vaccination: Since its introduction in 2023, more than 5 million adolescent girls have been reached, providing protection against cervical cancer.

At a press briefing to mark World Health Day, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said: "Nigeria's progress demonstrates the value of evidence-based policies in improving health outcomes. "Nigeria's progress shows that when health decisions are guided by science and evidence, they deliver measurable improvements in people's lives. Our priority is to sustain and scale these gains to reach every community."

He added: "Our goal is clear: every Nigerian, regardless of income or location, should have access to quality healthcare without financial hardship, and we are strengthening systems to make this a reality."

Strengthening surveillance and response
Across Nigeria, data from health facilities and laboratories are informing public health action. Strengthened surveillance systems are supporting early detection and response to priority diseases, including cholera, Lassa fever and measles.

In October 2025, Nigeria implemented one of the largest integrated health campaigns in Africa, demonstrating how coordinated, evidence-based approaches can expand access to essential services and protect vulnerable populations.

Across 19 northern states, Oyo State and the Federal Capital Territory, the campaign reached millions of children:
• 59.8 million children (9 months-14 years) were vaccinated against measles and rubella
• 42.6 million children (under five) received the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2)
• 13.4 million children (under five) were reached with the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV)

By integrating multiple interventions, the campaign improved efficiency, increased coverage, and helped reduce access gaps, ensuring more children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly in underserved communities.
Thousands of health workers have been trained in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), while digital reporting platforms are improving the timeliness and accuracy of disease reporting. These efforts are contributing to improved outbreak preparedness and response, reducing delays in detection and treatment.

Delivering services at community level
Evidence-based interventions are reaching communities through frontline health workers. In Borno State, community health extension worker Amina Mohammed supports mobile outreach services to remote settlements. During one visit, she met Usiju Yohanna, a nomadic mother who travelled several kilometres to vaccinate her child.

"They explained how vaccines prevent disease, and now my child is protected," Usiju said.
Amina added:

"When communities receive the right information and services, trust increases, and more families access care."
Expanding equitable access

Efforts to expand access to preventive services are also reaching adolescents. In Oyo State, 15-year-old Jomiloju received the HPV vaccine in 2024.

"I feel reassured knowing I am protected from cervical cancer," she said.

To strengthen equity, Nigeria continues to monitor differences in access and outcomes across gender, geography and socioeconomic groups.

With support from partners such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Nigeria continues to expand access to immunisation and other essential services, particularly in underserved communities.

Partnership supporting implementation
Nigeria's progress reflects collaboration between government institutions and partners, including UNICEF and the Gates Foundation. These partnerships have supported surveillance, immunisation, and emergency response activities across the country.

Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, noted: "Nigeria's achievements show what is possible when national leadership drives evidence-based action, supported by strong partnerships. Science saves lives when it is trusted, funded and implemented at scale."
He added: "Continued collaboration and investment in evidence-based interventions will be critical to sustaining gains and strengthening health outcomes for all Nigerians.

Sustaining progress
Nigeria continues to face public health challenges, including recurrent cholera outbreaks, rising noncommunicable diseases and climate-related risks. Strengthening laboratory capacity, expanding surveillance systems and supporting research remain priorities.
As Nigeria commemorates World Health Day 2026, its experience underscores a clear message: when evidence guides action, health systems become stronger, and communities become safer. Sustained investment in science and strong partnerships will be critical to maintaining progress and improving health outcomes for all.