Revolving outbreak investigation funds (ROIF) can accelerate outbreak response times when coupled with streamlined approval processes. Writing in Health Security, experts from Resolve to Save Lives analyze the impact of ROIF in Nigeria, which were established by our partners at Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in 2019. Comparing outbreak responses before and after ROIF’s introduction, the median time to response decreased from 6 days to 2 days, highlighting the importance of having immediate access to funds and efficient approval mechanisms during public health emergencies. The study suggests national governments should allocate budgets to sustain such funds, and offers a model for improving outbreak preparedness and response globally.
