Intersectoral collaboration for strengthening infectious disease prevention and control in Nigeria: a narrative review

Infectious diseases remain a major public health burden in Nigeria, straining limited health resources. Effective response requires intersectoral collaboration, engaging sectors like health, education, water, and sanitation, to address underlying determinants and promote sustainable prevention strategies, especially in the face of complex, systemic health challenges. This review critically examines intersectoral collaboration for infectious disease prevention and control in Nigeria, emphasising the need for a coordinated, adaptive, and sustainable approach involving all sectors. This review adopted a narrative approach, retrieving relevant research articles from PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ) and Google Scholar. Websites of the World Health Organisation and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Ministries of Health, and Information (Nigeria), were consulted for relevant reports on infectious diseases prevention and control in Nigeria. The initial search yielded 146 records out of which 51 were considered eligible and included in the review. The review adopted system theory, which offered an analytical framework to facilitate the understanding of the interrelated roles and dynamics between sectors. Findings reveal that intersectoral collaboration in Nigeria is hindered by fragmented governance, poor coordination, inadequate funding, and policy misalignment. However, enabling factors include shared goals, donor support, and crisis-driven collaboration. Systems Theory highlights the interconnectedness of sectors and the importance of adaptive feedback loops, reinforcing the need for integrated strategies to strengthen collaborative responses to infectious disease challenges in Nigeria. It was concluded that strengthening intersectoral collaboration through policy reforms, sustained funding, and community engagement is essential for Nigeria’s infectious disease control. Applying systems thinking fosters resilient, coordinated actions that improve long-term health outcomes across sectors.