The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the newly appointed State Commissioners of Health to take innovative and effective approaches in addressing the health sector’s challenges, particularly considering the unique circumstances of each state.
In pursuit of Nigeria’s universal health coverage (UHC) goal, which aims to provide every citizen, regardless of their status or location, with quality and affordable healthcare services, WHO emphasized the importance of focusing on public health security, financing, and the revitalization of primary healthcare centers.
The global health agency noted that Nigeria faces a rising burden of non-communicable diseases alongside the persistent challenges posed by communicable diseases, frequent disease outbreaks, and the highest out-of-pocket health expenditures in the region.
This has led to an increasing number of Nigerians falling into poverty due to health-related issues, while many still lack access to essential health services. Hence, the urgent need for the newly appointed State Commissioners of Health to proactively address these issues in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the induction ceremony of the State Commissioners of Health in Abuja, WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, stressed the critical role of these commissioners in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health security in Nigeria. He highlighted the need for innovative and unprecedented strategies to make a substantial difference in the country’s healthcare landscape.
“The health situation in Nigeria requires uncommon approaches to make a remarkable difference. 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.”
Dr. Mulombo referred to the international conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Alma-Ata and the 5th anniversary of the Astana declarations on primary health care. He noted that “countries have recommitted themselves to making a radical shift towards Primary Healthcare as the foundation of UHC and health security. 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.”
As leaders in the healthcare sector, the State Commissioners were called upon to maintain a strong focus on primary healthcare and ensure substantial investments in its development, considering the unique contexts of their respective states.
Dr. Mulombo emphasized the importance of collaboration, clear accountability mechanisms, dedication, and commitment to achieving better healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. He pledged WHO’s commitment, in line with its Country Coordination Strategy, to work closely with the Federal and state levels to translate health policies into effective actions, ensuring progress in the country’s healthcare sector.