The Federal Government has vowed to keep investing in the infrastructure for health data and in building capacity to address serious health issues, particularly in the area of addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and utilizing multisectoral approaches to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
In response to Agenda Item 6 in the annual report of the African Regional Director, Matshidiso Moeti, on the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region held in Botswana, the Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH &SW), Prof. Ali Pate, who was in attendance, made the announcement.
The Minister in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Director (Press & Public Relations ) Deworitshe Patricia , the Nigeria 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 hinted Government’s ability to build and maintain suboptimal capacity in generating and managing health data which resonates deeply with the Nation’s experiences adding that “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”.
He acknowledged remarkable 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 also 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 aligning with the pursuit of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which exemplifies the resilience and dedication of the nation’s health professionals and communities.
Pate further hinted that: “we 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 initiatives 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 remain, “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.
