The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed the commitment of State Commissioners of Health as a vital cog in improving Nigeria’s health situation.
It comes as countries have recommitted themselves to making a radical shift towards Primary Healthcare as the foundation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health security.
The WHO Representative in Nigeria Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo made the call at the Induction Ceremony of the Newly Appointed State Commissioners in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city with the theme “Navigating Health Leadership: From Promise to Impact”.
Mulombo reminded the State Commissioners of the enormous responsibilities placed on their shoulders as leaders of the health sector who must prioritize Primary Health Care (PHC) ‘on the agenda of your governments and ensure priority investment in its development.’
“With the ongoing increase in the burden of non-communicable diseases on the background of high burden of communicable diseases, multiple outbreaks, and the highest out-of-pocket expenditure on health in the region, more Nigerians are falling into poverty due to ill health while many do not have access to the quality essential health services they need.”
The WHO Representative, Mulombo further solicited a more robust approach towards achieving a dream health sector in Nigeria.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate for his leadership in providing the strategic direction for reforms in the health sector, while also underlining the commitment of the WHO to work with the Nigerian Government every step of the way.
“This indeed entails shifting focus from mere concepts to actions with demonstrable results, for greater resilience in the health sector, even in the face of emergencies.
“I am confident that with a common vision, proactive collaboration, clear accountability mechanisms, collective dedication, and commitment, we will achieve better results in the health sector.
“The WHO in line with our Country Coordination Strategy (CCS), is committed to working with you at the Federal level as well as state level through our field offices, to ensure the translation of health policies in this direction into actions,” Mulombo assured.
