At a pivotal policy dialogue on strengthening health security in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, highlighted the need for robust health security frameworks to protect Nigerians from emerging global health threats.
Speaking at the event on November 13, 2024, at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja, Dr. Mulombo expressed WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health security reforms, emphasizing the critical role of legislative and community engagement to safeguard the nation’s health.
Dr. Mulombo commended the Health Sector Reform Coalition’s partnership with the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development, which organized the dialogue, and underscored the necessity of strengthening health legislation as a core priority in Nigeria’s national agenda. “Global public health security is a shared responsibility,” he stated, “and Nigeria must continue to collaborate across sectors to minimize the risks of acute public health events that endanger health across borders.”
The high-level dialogue comes as health experts worldwide raise alarms over factors disrupting health stability, from urbanization to environmental degradation and the rapid spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Population growth, increased global travel, and reliance on chemicals have heightened vulnerabilities, making legislative action critical for addressing issues like antimicrobial misuse and the risks of foodborne diseases.
Dr. Mulombo commended Nigeria’s progress in legislative reforms, citing the successful passage of the Animal Diseases (Control) Bill in April 2022. However, he urged the government to push forward on additional bills, including amendments to the National Health Act and the NCDC Act, as well as the proposed Public Health Emergency Bill and the National Port Health Services Bill. These laws are essential to align Nigeria’s health framework with the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005, which guide countries in preventing and responding to health threats.
“Legislation is key to protecting lives during crises,” Dr. Mulombo said, “and Nigeria’s proactive efforts to close legislative gaps are commendable.” He stressed that, alongside the legislative push, civil society organizations (CSOs) play an essential role by assessing community needs and communicating them to policymakers to ensure inclusive health reforms.
To strengthen Nigeria’s health infrastructure, WHO has been actively collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), providing technical support for amendments to the NCDC Act. Dr. Mulombo noted WHO’s ongoing support for key health security measures, including training surveillance officers and conducting cholera readiness programs at the sub-national level.
WHO has also backed the Federal Government’s efforts in evaluating points of entry in critical locations Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, and Kano based on the recommendations from the recent Joint External Evaluation of Nigeria’s IHR core capacities. These evaluations are essential for assessing preparedness in preventing disease importation and spread.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Mulombo highlighted the necessity of global health security agreements, such as the ongoing efforts to amend the IHR and draft a “Pandemic Accord” to better equip countries in responding to pandemics. He acknowledged that countries must integrate innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), which enhances disease surveillance and optimizes health response strategies.
“WHO’s goal is to make one billion more people better protected against health emergencies,” Dr. Mulombo concluded, stressing the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration in achieving this target. He expressed optimism that with stronger legal frameworks, Nigeria can bolster its health system, ensuring it remains resilient amid both local and international health threats.
The event concluded with stakeholders, including legislators, health advocates, and representatives from WHO, reinforcing their commitment to a legislative roadmap for health security. The dialogue has set a foundation for Nigeria’s health sector to move beyond reactive measures, aiming to create a resilient and proactive system that safeguards the lives of all Nigerians.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in health reform within Africa, the dialogue has sent a clear message: national health security is not just a government agenda but a societal obligation one that must be actively pursued through strong legislation, community involvement, and international collaboration.