By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Profession Ali Pate has disclosed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling dire health challenges such as Neglected Tropical Diseases , NTD’s and combating Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR.
Prof. Ali Pate who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Healthy, Kachollom Daju announced this at the 73RC in response to Agenda Item 6 in the annual report of the African Region held in Botswana.
The Minister said that the Nigerian Government is taking vital steps towards addressing issues of AMR which poses a grave threat to human, animal and environmental health in the region.
He disclosed that Government’s ability to build and maintain suboptimal capacity in generating and managing health data.
As we strive to build robust health information systems, we recognise the imperative of timely, accurate and comprehensive data to guide our policies and interventions, Pate said.
While listing the achievements and progress outlined in the annual report of WHO in the African Region, he stated that the report covering the period from July 2022 to June 2023 underscores the collective efforts in advancing health and well-being across our continent particularly in the content of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He maintained that some of the giant strides made in the Nigerian health sector as captured by the report include the collaborative response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the pursuit of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which exemplifies the resilience and dedication of the nation’s health professionals and communities.
Pate further stated that the Nigerian Government have excelled in immunization which is pivotal in public health landscape, the integration of vaccines and APV vaccine, typhoid conjugate vaccine and malaria vaccine will mark a significant leap forward.
These steps align with our commitment to preventing diseases that have long burdened our communities”.
He asserted that WHO’s support in strengthening national health systems centered around primary health care has fortified Nigeria’s capacity to manage health crisis and provide essential services adding that “we note the emphasis on diversity and inclusivity through initiative like the Africa Women Health Champions and the engagement of young professionals.”
He therefore charged delegates to be inspired by the progress showcased in the report and be determined to overcome hurdles that remains.
“As we align ourselves with the WHO’s Transformation Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, we envision a future where health disparities are narrowed, health security is fortified and every individual enjoys the right to good health and well-being, Pate emphasized.
