In a strong message to Nigeria’s healthcare stakeholders, the federal government has reiterated its dedication to addressing infectious diseases across the country. Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stressed the government’s determination to utilise all necessary resources to prevent disease outbreaks in all areas of the nation. During a yearly symposium hosted by the APIN Health Initiative in Abuja, Pate urged healthcare professionals and Public Health experts to work together more effectively, emphasising that collective action is crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of every Nigerian.
During his speech, Pate highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy, pointing out that the government’s Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) aims to tackle all illnesses, regardless of source or intensity. Dr. Nse Akpan, the Director of Port Health Services, represented the minister and mentioned that the SWAP ensures that no illness, even those that were once deemed less important, will be ignored. Their dedication is to lower the rate of diseases in Nigeria. While there has been advancement in the fight against malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, there is still much to be done, he stated, highlighting that Tuberculosis and similar major health issues still require urgent focus.
Resources from different initiatives will be used for a unified response.
He also discussed the government’s initiative to adopt a “One Health” strategy, which aims to pool limited resources from different health initiatives for a unified response to public health dangers. Despite the resource constraints, they are resolved to unify their efforts and effectively address all significant diseases. Their aim extends beyond mere containment; they seek to eradicate and completely eradicate health threats in Nigeria. This dedication to a comprehensive strategy intends to alleviate resource pressures while addressing all health issues collectively, including neglected areas and diseases prevalent in underprivileged regions.
At the event, Pate, who is also the representative of the United States Centre for Disease Control (US-CDC), emphasised the American government’s commitment to Nigeria’s health sector. He stated that the US is committed to its health aid programs in Nigeria and noted that the results from the APIN symposium would inform future strategies in the area. The role is viewed as critical for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare framework and its ability to manage and prevent infectious diseases. He called on public health leaders and community partners to collaborate in achieving the government’s vision of “health for everyone.”
A collaborative approach is needed among stakeholders.
He emphasised that, although considerable focus has traditionally been on pressing public health challenges like HIV and malaria, it is crucial to also consider ailments affecting marginalised populations. This is particular to those impacting individuals in impoverished urban areas, where inadequate Sanitation and Pollution present major health threats. In a motivating appeal, the minister emphasised the need for collaboration among various sectors, noting that despite advancements, ongoing joint efforts are crucial to protect public health.
As they address one health issue, new challenges can arise, and their reaction should be swift and unified. It is vital for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to come together to confront health risks effectively, he stated. Pate suggests that this method guarantees a viable and enduring framework for overseeing the public health scenario in Nigeria. The conversations at the symposium demonstrate the federal administration’s comprehensive plan to unite both domestic and global partners. By prioritising an integrated strategy, the Nigerian government aims to cultivate a robust healthcare Infrastructure that can endure existing and upcoming public health issues.
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The Chief Executive Officer of the APIN Public Health Initiative, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo, greeted attendees at the symposium, emphasising the importance of APIN in promoting Nigeria’s global health security. He introduced APIN’s commendable initiative, the “Five-Street Project,” which serves as a public health monitoring approach vital for enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to identify and tackle health risks. Okonkwo pointed out that the symposium’s central theme revolves around strengthening Nigeria’s surveillance for infectious diseases, specifically highlighting efforts in tracking and intervening in HIV cases.