FG Focused on Sustaining Resilient Health Systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage and Promote Health Security..... Health Minister Reveals The Coordinating Minister, Federal

Prof. Ali Pate
Hon. Minister of Health & Social Welfare.

“Nigeria endorses the regional strategy on Diagnostic and laboratory services and systems for the WHO African Region, the availability and accessibility of diagnostic and laboratory services are not only fundamental to patient care but also crucial to disease prevention and research, forging a transformative path forward”. Pate.

The Honourable Minister in charge of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH & SW), Prof. Ali Pate has declared that the framework for sustaining resilient Health systems to achieve universal health and promote health security in the African Region is a crucial strategy, born out of collective dedication, shared responsibility and signifies a crucial stride, in the right direction to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the people.

The Permanent Secretary (FMOH &SW), Kachollom Daju mni, representing the Minister made this declaration while speaking at the 73RC in response to Agenda 9, 11 and 12 that deal and address various health challenges in the annual report of the Regional  Director,  Matshidiso Moeti, on the work of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the African Region holding in Botswana.

The Minister acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in building strength in the face of challenges such as public health emergencies, unprecedented impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, loss of lives, economic disruptions, strains on the health systems, harmful alcohol consumption, weak diagnostic systems or lack of access to quality diagnostic and laboratory services which have resulted in developing initiatives to address critical gaps in healthcare accessibility and quality. 

According to him, “Nigeria endorses the regional strategy on Diagnostic and laboratory services and systems for the WHO African Region, the availability and accessibility of diagnostic and laboratory services are not only fundamental to patient care but also crucial to disease prevention and research, forging a transformative path forward”.

He noted that the nation is focused on enhancing co-ordination, leadership and governance that presents a comprehensive approach to expanding the reach of diagnostic services across all levels of healthcare in the country. 

Comprehending the significance of the framework the Minister stated that “we acknowledge the obstacles our nation encounters, the effects on public health crisis on our healthcare system and the necessities of viable funding and data-driven decision making”.

“In pursuance of these objectives, we have implemented crucial measures which include Health Insurance Authority Act that instituted the fund for vulnerable population and the Basic Health Provision Fund created to bolster primary healthcare, provide essential health services and ensure urgent medical treatment particularly for the impoverished,” he further stated.

Pate disclosed that the Federal Government has formed a National Public Emergency and Outbreak Response Fund ready to be activated during outbreaks and emergencies as well as formulation of a National Action Plan for Health Security.

The Minister asserted that Federal Government is poised to addressing the challenge of harmful alcohol consumption, considering its negative effects and consequences adding that Nigeria has made diligent efforts to control alcohol consumption through effective policies and regulations including stringent tax policies.

Placing significant importance on the health and wellbeing of the citizens, he stated that “we have taken steps to regulate alcohol sales, enforce age restrictions and educate the public about the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.”

He maintained that “in endorsing these frameworks, we commit ourselves to a region where health system resilience is fortified, primary healthcare is the bedrock of progress and where data and innovation guide our way forward.”