PANDEMICS: PATE, STAKEHOLDERS PUSH FOR STRONGER PREPAREDNESS ..... Warns Of Inevitability

"Pandemics are not a matter of if, but when. Their impact extends beyond health, disrupting economies, societies, and global systems." Pate warns.

.... Underscores link between public health, economic stability, and national security concerns.

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, on Monday in Abuja, the nation's capital, called for sustained preparedness, stronger health systems, and coordinated national response mechanisms, warning that future pandemics are inevitable.

Pate stated this during a high-level public health symposium, stressing that, from ancient outbreaks to modern global health crises, human civilisation has repeatedly been shaped by pandemics.

At the symposium, themed; “Lessons on Pandemic Preparedness & Response: Insights from China and Nigeria,” featured Pate’s presentation titled “A Decade of Global Pandemic Experiences: Trends and Takeaways," Prof Pate referenced major outbreaks such as HIV/AIDS, SARS, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19 as stark reminders that infectious diseases remain a persistent global threat.

The Coordinating Health Minister in his speech, reiterated that “Pandemics are not a matter of if, but when,” but emphasized that their impact extends beyond health, disrupting economies, societies, and global systems.

He highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a sharp contraction in global economic output and widespread disruption to supply chains, businesses, and livelihoods.

He added that Nigeria has similarly experienced economic slowdowns during past outbreaks due to reduced activity, public fear, and pressure on national systems.

Underscoring the link between public health, economic stability, and national security concerns, he described pandemics as both health and security concerns. According to him, effective preparedness requires cross-sector collaboration, including the involvement of security agencies.
 
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare therefore, called for sustained investment in the health sector, particularly in strengthening primary healthcare, expanding the workforce, and improving access to affordable services. He also advocated increased local production of medical supplies and the development of robust diagnostic and surveillance systems.

“As we look to the future, preparedness must be proactive and sustained. We must invest in systems that can detect, respond to, and prevent outbreaks before they escalate,” he said.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle, in his welcome address, had echoed similar concerns, describing pandemics as defining forces in human history that shape economies, societies, and international cooperation.

Salako, warning that the lessons of COVID-19 must not be ignored, reiterating that the next global outbreak is inevitable, called for a whole-of-society approach to preparedness, involving communities, development partners, and the private sector.

He also revealed that the Federal Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s healthcare system aimed at improving service delivery, expanding access, and strengthening emergency response capacity.

Stakeholders at the event emphasized the urgent need to enhance Nigeria’s pandemic preparedness and build a more resilient healthcare system.

Goodwill messages were delivered by key partners including, Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO; His Excellency, Yu Dunhai, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria; Dr. Mahmoud Dalhat, Kaduna State University, and Dr. Nanlop Ogbureke, ED Resolved to Save Lives.

Among the top government officials present at the Symposium are the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha and Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal (represented).

The keynote lecture, “Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness and Response: China Experience,” was delivered by George F. Gao, Director-General of the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The highlight of the symposium was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Prof. Gao, in recognition of his contributions to global health and pandemic response.