Tag: Prof. Muhammed Pate

  • FG to channel  N25bn  into  88,000 facilities to reduce maternal mortality – Prof Pate

    FG to channel N25bn into 88,000 facilities to reduce maternal mortality – Prof Pate

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has disclosed that the Federal Government is set to release the sum of N25 billion to 8800 health facilities across the country for the reduction of maternal mortality and newborns in the country .

    The minister said that the funds would be released to the health facilities through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA and the National Health Insurance Agency, NHIA.

    Prof. Pate disclosed this recently in Abuja during the Commemoration of the 2024 National Safe Motherhood Day in Nigeria with the theme, Investing in Maternal Health for a Sustainable Future” , with the slogan, ” Mother Lives, Child Thrives.”

    According to the minister, safe motherhood can be achieved when a pregnant woman receives all pillars of care during and after pregnancy, such as antenatal care, skilled and facility-based delivery, quality services as well as postnatal care, family planning, postpartum family planning and post-abortion family planning.

    Prof. Pate called for the support of all stakeholders, including development partners, religious and traditional leaders, and the media to educate the general public to achieve this desired objective.

    “We have to ensure that all women in Nigeria have access to quality maternal care, irrespective of where you come from, whether they’re from rural areas or not, whether they’re educated or not so that we don’t leave any woman behind” he stressed.

    The minister emphasized that the aim of providing the fund is to reach at least 7 million pregnant women through health care per year and at least 6 million newborn births annually.

    He further stated that the objective is to ensure that no woman is left behind when it comes to access to quality maternal care, access to skilled birth attendants, facility birth delivery and Non-communicable diseases screening, like hypertension, diabetes in pregnancy and family planning.

    Meanwhile, the Minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prioritisation of the health of Nigerian citizens is key to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Prof. Pate recalled that the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative unveiled in December 2023 in synergy with the 36 State Governors, development partners and the Federal Government is to ensure improved population health outcomes in a sector-wide manner.

    The Permanent Secretary of the ministry , Daju Kachollom noted that maternal health complications which contribute to 55 per cent cases of maternal mortality in Nigeria as postpartum haemorrhage, preeclampsia/eclampsia and unsafe abortion.

    She urged pregnant women, family members and other stakeholders to
    ensure the safety of a pregnant woman and her child during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery.
    She said, “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, Prof. Pate’s 4 point agenda on the health sector is to prioritize safe motherhood via 120,000 front line health workers capacity and, additional primary Health care will receive funds under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to cater for mothers and Children across the nation.

  • Pate launches $933m  Global Fund  to mitigate HIV/AIDS, TB in Nigeria

    Pate launches $933m Global Fund to mitigate HIV/AIDS, TB in Nigeria

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate has launched the $933 million Global Fund, Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) 2024 – 2026 in Abuja.

    Prof. Pate at the official launch yesterday said that the allocated $933 million Global Fund to Nigeria is to help mitigate HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the within the period of 2024- 2026.

    The minister who gave assurance that the resources will be put into judicious use stated the implementation period is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

    Pate said, “In approving the sector’s wide programme, the president essentially directed that the health outcomes of Nigerians should be better than what it is and that we should all collaborate, the Federal Government, State governments alongside development partners.”

    The ministry further presented the Global Fund grant to recipients which includes the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS)
    National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)-FMOH,
    $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS)
    National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis).
    The Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant),
    National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria).

    Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria).
    National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme- FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH)
    Lagos State Ministry of Health, 4,100,440.00 (RSSH).

    According to Pate, the expected results which all the principal recipients are committing to, is to achieve the 95 95, 95 by 2025, notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

    He noted that the commitment of the Federal Government to advancing improvement in the health of the population along the four pillars which are evidenced in governance, promoting transparency and accountability.

    These he explained would be
    focusing on the population health outcomes, fixing the primary health care system, improving maternal and child health to reduce mother to child transmission, adding that fixing infrastructure, unlocking the healthcare value chain and health security, via laboratory infrastructure, building the public health workforce, the surveillance systems and dealing with infectious diseases.

    Furthermore, the minister has urged the Global Fund and the principal recipients to patronize local manufacturers in order to unlock the value chain stating that this would create trust amongst the key players.
    He also urged States to be diligent in the use of funds which is meant to help the poorest of vulnerable population of the country.

    The Minister of State, Tunji Alausa on his part said that the resources will facilitate the strengthening of the nation’s health system in preparedness for any future pandemics.

    “Good health is core to harnessing Nigeria’s greatest asset, its human capital, as documented in Mr. President’s agenda, this is at the heart of our relentless efforts to ensure that all Nigerians are on path to have access to improved quality health services and without financial hardship.”

    The significantly increased allocation of federal government’s budget to health and social sectors in the proposed 2024 appropriation, demonstrates unprecedented political will, and certainly goes a long way in addressing the financial gaps that have overtime limited Nigeria from achieving an efficient, equitable and quality health system.

    Chairman House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Hon. Amobi Ogah in his goodwill message assured of the Committees resolve to oversight every fund that has been budgeted for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the country to ensure that every kobo spent is accounted for.

    Again, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom noted that the increase in HIV, TB and malaria grants in Cycle 7, will further address the critical service coverage gaps among pregnant women, children, key populations and adolescents.

  • **”Coordinating Minister Urges Global Cooperation to Enhance Childhood Vaccination and Research”**

    **”Coordinating Minister Urges Global Cooperation to Enhance Childhood Vaccination and Research”**

    By Daniel Edu

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has called for international collaboration to bolster childhood vaccination efforts and vaccine research globally. Speaking at the First Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunisation in Singapore, organized by the Asia Pacific Immunisation Coalition (APIC) under the theme “Vaccination for All: Access, Confidence, and Equity (ACE),” Pate highlighted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and climate change in the 21st century.

    Pate stressed the vital role of vaccines in addressing these crises and emphasized the need for equitable access, enhanced confidence, and global health equity. The summit aimed to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and maintain vaccines as a beacon of hope amid these complex challenges.

    In his address, Pate acknowledged the progress made in global health over the past 25 years, with increased life expectancies and reduced child mortality rates, thanks to expanded global access to vaccines. He highlighted vaccines’ role in mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating reopening and economic recovery.

    However, Pate also noted existing challenges, such as millions of children worldwide lacking access to basic immunization series and the rise of anti-science and anti-vaccine movements. He outlined three key themes of the summit: access, confidence, and equity.

    Pate emphasized the need to prioritize equitable vaccine access, break down barriers, and integrate vaccine delivery within national health systems. He underscored the importance of building confidence in vaccines, requiring clear communication, addressing misinformation, and engaging with communities. Achieving equity in vaccine access, both within and between countries, was highlighted as a cornerstone for a healthier and more just world.

    The summit, which brought together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from around the world, aimed to mobilize global efforts, strengthen partnerships, and ensure vaccines remain a beacon of hope amid various challenges. The event featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, focusing on innovative strategies for building trust and confidence in vaccines and fostering collaborations for global vaccine equity. The summit concluded with a call for sustained global cooperation in the realm of vaccination and immunisation.