The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has called for the formulation of health policies rooted in the daily realities and voices of Nigerian communities.
Pate, represented by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, made the call on Monday in Abuja during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Dr. Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust.
He said the approach contrasts with top-down strategies that often fail to address the specific and diverse needs of the population.
“Nigeria’s health sector reforms will only succeed if policies are designed to reflect the needs, values, and experiences of people at the grassroots,” Pate said.
“Policy design in Nigeria will not succeed unless it resonates in the communities, in the marketplace, on the farm, in schools, churches, mosques, and clinics. That is where policy truly works. If we sit here and lament failed policies without engaging the grassroots, then we have done nothing.”
The minister stressed that the voices of youth, women, and marginalized groups must be included in national conversations on public health, adding that inclusion was not only about fairness but also about effectiveness.
“When we talk about inclusion, it is not just about being fair; it is about being effective. Our policies must work for people where they live and learn,” he added.
Pate commended DRASA Health Trust for its contribution to Nigeria’s public health system, describing it as a model for community-driven action and partnership.
He noted that DRASA has worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to promote hygiene practices, community surveillance, and public awareness on disease prevention.
According to him, the government will continue to partner with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s health security architecture.
“Our health and prosperity as a nation depend on policies that integrate human, animal, and environmental health. That is why we are promoting the One Health approach — because health cannot thrive in isolation,” he said.
Pate reiterated that health security is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, warning that complacency could undermine the country’s preparedness for future outbreaks.
“Health security is everyone’s business. It wasn’t the business of Adadevoh alone; it is the business of us all. We do not know when or where the next outbreak will occur, but if we remain united and proactive, we can prevent crises and protect our people,” he stated.
The minister announced that, in collaboration with partners like DRASA, the government plans to scale up community-based health education and train 50,000 additional health workers to serve in schools and communities across the country.
“This initiative will not only improve hygiene and infection prevention but will also build a new generation of health champions in every community,” he said.
Pate also urged the media, business leaders, and community influencers to support efforts that promote accurate information, local innovation, and accountability in the health sector.
“The task before us is to make our health system inclusive, efficient, and resilient to both present and future threats,” he said.
In July 2014, when Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer arrived in Lagos showing symptoms of Ebola, Dr. Stella Adadevoh promptly identified the threat and insisted he be quarantined despite external pressure.
Her decisive action prevented a nationwide outbreak and saved countless lives. Sadly, she contracted the virus and died on August 19, 2014.
Over the past decade, DRASA has trained thousands of health workers, improved infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, and strengthened Nigeria’s readiness for disease outbreaks.
The organization’s model aligns with the global “One Health” approach, connecting human, animal, and environmental health.
DRASA’s success demonstrates that empowering local professionals with knowledge and resources can prevent health crises before they escalate. Preparedness, it said, must not wait for the next outbreak — it should be an integral part of everyday healthcare delivery.
Through its Young Professionals and DRASA Health Ambassadors initiatives, the organization has inspired a new generation to champion health security, resilience, and responsible behavior in schools and communities.
