The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to invest in health data infrastructure and capacity building to overcome dire health challenges, especially in tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Ms. Deworitshe Patricia, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The statement said that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, made this known at the 73rd Session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Meeting in Botswana.
Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ms Kachollom Daju, was responding to Agenda Item Six in the annual report of the African Regional Director, Matshidiso Moeti on the work of WHO in the African Region at the event.
Pate said the investment was also extended to engaging multi-sectoral approach in combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The minister noted that the Federal Government was taking vital steps to address issues of AMR, which posed a grave threat to human, animal and environmental health in the region.
He added that government had the ability to build and maintain suboptimal capacity in generating and managing health data, which resonated deeply with the nation’s experiences.
“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,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the 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, underscored the collective efforts in advancing health and well-being across the continent, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister maintained that some of the giant strides made in the Nigerian health sector as captured by the report included the collaborative response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that it aligned with the pursuit of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which exemplified the resilience and dedication of the nation’s health professionals and communities.
“We have excelled in immunisation, which is pivotal in public health landscape, the integration of vaccines and HPV vaccine, typhoid conjugate vaccine and malaria vaccine, which mark a significant leap forward.
“These steps align with our commitment to preventing diseases that have long burdened our communities,” he said.
Pate asserted that WHO’s support in strengthening national health systems, centered around primary health care, had fortified Nigeria’s capacity to manage health crisis and provide essential services.
“We note the emphasis on diversity and inclusivity through initiatives like the Africa Women Health Champions and the engagement of young professionals,” the minister added.
He, therefore, urged delegates to be inspired by the progress showcased in the report and be determined to overcome hurdles that remained.
“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.”
The meeting which began on Monday, will end on Friday.
