… Calls for more FG, Media engagements on healthcare
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Special Assistant, SA, to the President, on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas has said that the Federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has increased its efforts at improving the access and quality of health care for NIgeria to reduce cases of maternal and newborn deaths, among other health challenges.
Dr. Anas disclosed this on Saturday as a Guest Speaker at the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists, ANHeJ.
The theme of the 8th ANHeJ Conference was , ” Swap Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes: The Role Of The Media”.
Anas affirmed that the theme of the conference ,”Strengthening Sector-Wide Approach Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes,” is very apt and appropriate with the realities in the health sector, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to healthcare.
Speaking on the topic, “Health Sector: Progress, Challenges, Anas disclosed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has proffered a national strategy that ensures improved health care services.
The SA to the president on Health said,”We have established a national strategy to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, which includes increasing access to healthcare services, improving the quality of care, and promoting community engagement and participation.”
“Under the leadership of President Bola, we have made commitments to ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their location, economic status, or gender. We are also committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage, by 30% by 2027.”
Rating the Nigerian health sector, Dr. Anas stated the government has made progress in strengthening the health system, by improving access to healthcare services, and reducing maternal and child mortality.
She however said,” we still have a long way to go.”
According to her there are notable areas of challenges in the health sector which need to be addressed such as inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare workers and inadequate infrastructure.
“We need to do more to address the challenges facing our health sector, including inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare workers, and inadequate infrastructure.”
She however emphasized the need to work together with all stakeholders, including communities, healthcare workers, and international partners, to achieve such goals.
Anas particularly highlighted the role of the media as being crucial in promoting health education and awareness.
“We need to work with the media to address the social and cultural factors that contribute to poor health outcomes”, she explained.
She also noted the importance of continually engagement and participation in improving health outcomes at the community level, by working with traditional and religious leaders to promote education and awareness.
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