Nigeria uses evidence-based action to protect health and save lives

On World Health Day 2026 Nigeria highlighted progress from evidence-based policies and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, citing large immunization campaigns, strengthened surveillance and partnerships with WHO and other partners.

Nigeria marked World Health Day 2026 under the theme "Together for health. Stand with science," and described how evidence is guiding policy and practice. The government says it is implementing priorities from the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to place scientific evidence at the center of decisions. National and partner bodies, including the World Health Organization, Gavi, UNICEF and foundations, are reported as supporting surveillance, immunization and emergency response. The country notes ongoing work to expand access and to reduce gaps across regions and population groups. Key facts: - Nigeria is described as home to more than 230 million people and reports measurable progress from sustained, evidence-based interventions led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. - The WHO African Region was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020, a milestone to which Nigeria contributed through vaccination and surveillance activities. - Since 2023 Nigeria has reached more than 5 million adolescent girls with the HPV vaccine, and in October 2025 an integrated campaign reached millions of children across 19 northern states, Oyo State and the Federal Capital Territory (59.8 million vaccinated for measles and rubella; 42.6 million received nOPV2; 13.4 million received bOPV). - Thousands of health workers have been trained in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response and digital reporting platforms are reported as improving the timeliness and accuracy of disease data. - Nigeria continues to face recurring public health challenges, including cholera, Lassa fever, measles, rising noncommunicable diseases and climate-related risks, and lists priorities such as strengthening laboratory capacity, expanding surveillance systems and supporting research. Summary: Nigeria presents its recent efforts as examples of evidence informing policy, with large immunization drives, strengthened surveillance and community outreach cited as contributing to improved coverage and outbreak preparedness. Continued collaboration with international partners and sustained investment in surveillance, laboratory capacity and research are identified as the next priorities to maintain and build on these gains.