Engagement as a Technical Support Organization (TSO) for the development of the National Action Plan on Health Security 2024-2028 (NAPHS 2.0)

Description of the Project:

The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) was developed by Nigeria in 2018 to address critical health security gaps identified in the 2017 Joint External Evaluation (JEE). With an initial “Ready Score” of 39%, indicating insufficient preparedness, Nigeria launched the NAPHS 2018-2022 as a comprehensive, multi-sectoral roadmap to improve its health security capacity. The plan included costed activities, annual revisions, and a tracking platform to ensure accountability and monitor progress.

Key achievements under NAPHS 1.0 include improved health security capabilities, demonstrated by an increased JEE score of 54% in 2023. Notable accomplishments included the enactment of the NCDC Act, advances in public health surveillance, the establishment of the National Reference Laboratory and Biorepository Centre and strengthened capacity at ports of entry. NAPHS also integrated various plans, such as the NCDC Strategy, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Action Plan, and immunization strategies.

With the expiration of NAPHS 1.0, Nigeria is now preparing to launch NAPHS 2.0 for 2024-2028, aimed at enhancing preparedness against evolving health threats, aligning with global best practices, and ensuring comprehensive operationalization across the healthcare system.

The objectives of the project:

1. To conduct an end-term evaluation of NAPHS 1.0 and develop NAPHS 2.0.
2. To identify, map, and engage strategic national public health stakeholders.
3. To develop, cost, validate, launch, and disseminate the NAPHS 2.0 at all levels.
4. To develop a biannual NAPHS implementation bulletin.

Interventions/achievements: PGS is leading the implementation of all aspects of the project objectives, including desk reviews, stakeholders mapping, key informant interview, and end term review and NAPHS 2.0 development. PGS tapped into the relationships it has built over the years to convene key stakeholders from several ministries, departments and agencies in Nigeria with the strong support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). PGS is also using its technical expertise and its understanding of One health approach not only to set up high level committee but to set them up for success by developing relevant terms of reference and providing technical support to help them perform their roles. PGS understands the need for consultative processes in the development of such sensitive document and brings very sound technical expertise to ensure that the National Action Plan on Health Security address the needs and aspirations of the country.

Related Activities: end-term and NAPHS 2.0 workshops, costing and validation workshops.