Health
THE Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to be more intentional in its health system approaches to tackle health challenges.
He made the statement at the Society for Family Health’s (SFH) 40th-anniversary celebration and book presentation in Abuja on Tuesday.
Pate, represented by Mr Chinedu Moghalu, highlighted the importance of proactive and strategic actions to ensure the health of all Nigerians.
He noted that global health challenges, such as pandemics and healthcare inequities, required more intentional approaches.
“This is not the time for reactive measures; instead, we must take proactive, strategic action to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians.
“Intentionality serves as both a reflection on our past achievements and a roadmap for future progress.
“Over the past 40 years, we have learned valuable lessons that will guide our efforts to address the health challenges of today and tomorrow.
“As we strive to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), reduce maternal mortality, and build stronger health systems, the Society for Family Health (SFH) will remain a vital partner in Nigeria’s health transformation.”
He emphasised the importance of local ownership and community-driven health interventions.
He added that the partnerships have enabled SFH to achieve remarkable progress in areas such as HIV prevention, malaria control, and reproductive health.
“What makes SFH’s partnership model unique is its focus on local ownership.
“SFH has partnered not only with international organisations but also with state and local governments, ensuring that health interventions are rooted in local contexts and driven by the communities they serve.
“This approach has been critical in ensuring that healthcare solutions are effective and sustainable in the long term.”
He commended the organisation’s ability to operate in Nigeria’s most challenging regions, providing healthcare in conflict-affected areas in the Northeast and building health resilience in the Northwest.
Looking ahead, Pate emphasised the importance of partnerships in implementing the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
SFH’s Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, reflected on the organisation’s 40-year journey, highlighting its commitment to partnership, strong guidance, and leadership.
He noted that SFH had been renewing itself internally to respond to emerging challenges.
“We achieved this by acquiring the necessary talent, revising and developing internal systems that are more resilient and responsive to emerging challenges, and building new capabilities.
“We began by focusing on family planning, and as HIV emerged, we developed new capabilities to address it.
“When maternal mortality became a pressing issue, we again adapted and built new capabilities to address this challenge.”
Idogho shared SFH’s vision to continue innovating in areas such as supply chain, human resources for health, data systems, and health financing.
He added that capability was also being built on a public-private model for service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Society for Family Health (SFH) is a pan-African non-governmental organization founded in 1983 by Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Malam Dahiru Wali, and Justice Ifeyinwa Nzeako.(NAN)
A.I
Nov. 27, 2024
Tags: Justice Ifeyinwa Nzeako. Malam Dahiru Wali Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti
