Nigeria remains committed to investing in data infrastructure and capacity building to overcome dire health challenges- Pate

Kachollom Daju (PS FMOH) presenting Nigeria's position on 'Regional Strategy for expediting the implementation & monitoring of national  action plans on antimicrobial resistance 2023-2030 in the WHO African region.

“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”. Pate.

Federal Government has vowed to remain committed to investing in health data infrastructure and capacity building to overcome dire health challenges especially in the area of tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and engaging multisectoral approach in combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

The Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH &SW) Prof. Ali Pate who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (FMOH & SW) Kachollom Daju mni announced this at the 73RC in response to Agenda Item 6 in the annual report of the African Regional Director, Matshidiso Moeti on the work of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the African Region holding in Botswana.

According to the Minister, in a statement signed by Deworitshe Patricia, Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, "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 revealed 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.”

While acknowledging 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 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 stated 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 initiative 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.