By Milcah Tanimu
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for stronger legislative reforms to improve Nigeria’s health security. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, emphasized the need for robust frameworks to protect Nigerians from global health threats.
Dr. Mulombo spoke at a policy dialogue held at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja. He highlighted the importance of legislative action and community involvement to address public health challenges. These include the spread of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and foodborne illnesses.
The Need for Legislative Action
Dr. Mulombo praised Nigeria’s progress in health reforms. He noted the passage of the Animal Diseases (Control) Bill in 2022 as a step forward. However, he urged the government to push for additional bills. These include amendments to the National Health Act, the NCDC Act, and the Public Health Emergency Bill. He stressed that these laws are crucial for aligning Nigeria’s health framework with WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR).
“Legislation is key to saving lives during crises,” Dr. Mulombo said. He emphasized that closing legislative gaps is vital for better health responses.
Collaboration to Strengthen Health Systems
WHO has worked closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). They are providing technical support for health initiatives. Dr. Mulombo mentioned the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s health infrastructure through surveillance and cholera readiness programs. WHO has also supported the evaluation of points of entry in key states such as Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, and Kano.
These evaluations help assess Nigeria’s preparedness to prevent disease spread and importation.
Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Mulombo reflected on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the importance of global health agreements, like the ongoing efforts to amend the IHR and create a “Pandemic Accord.” He also pointed out the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving disease surveillance and health responses.
Dr. Mulombo reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to protecting one billion people from health emergencies. He stressed the need for inter-sectoral collaboration to achieve this goal.
Strengthening National Health Security
The dialogue concluded with a commitment from stakeholders, including legislators, health advocates, and WHO representatives, to create a legislative roadmap for strengthening Nigeria’s health security. The event outlined a clear path for Nigeria to build a resilient, proactive health system.
Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in health reforms across Africa. The dialogue sent a clear message: health security is a collective responsibility. It requires robust legislation, community engagement, and international collaboration.
