Nigeria has taken the lead in mobilizing the West African sub-region to address persistent health challenges, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases.
lsokpunwu spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the Health Experts meeting at the ongoing 25th Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Assembly of Health Ministers, where he outlined Nigeria’s efforts to comprehensively tackle health challenges for sustainable solutions and the health security of its citizens.
lsokpunwu, who is also the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, suggested that other member countries could replicate the Nigerian model for the benefit of their populations, saying, “Nigeria, as one of the largest and most populous countries in the region, offers unique perspectives and challenges.
“With a diverse landscape and a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, we face the ongoing task of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across all communities.
“Our nation’s commitment to health is unwavering. This is evident in our National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative which is designed to reduce physical and financial pains and produce health for all Nigerians.
“National Health Insurance Scheme is being reorganized aimed at expanding coverage and red out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare.
“However, we recognize that there is still much work to be done, particularly in addressing persistent issues such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases.
Earlier, Melchior Athanase Joël Aissi, the Director General of WAHO, highlighted the increasing urgency in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the next five years.
He noted the progress made and the effectiveness of mechanisms and approaches to strengthen and enhance the impact of actions, aiming for the expected long-term results.
“Indeed, in order to achieve the required quality in the provision of care, quality human resources for health must be available, apply and respect the norms and standards of quality established for care in all its forms,” he noted.
However, the DG urged the experts to conduct a thorough analysis and propose tangible solutions to align with the WHO recommendation of breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months.
He emphasized the significance of this directive, citing breastfeeding as one of the most potent methods for maintaining health and guaranteeing child survival.
SOURCE: The Nation