The Federal Government has expressed commitment to addressing persistent issues of infectious diseases, and the emerging threats of non-communicable diseases in the country.
To this end, the government said that the National Health Insurance Scheme is being reorganised aimed at expanding coverage and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare.
Chairman, Health Experts Committee of the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Chris lsokpunwu, who disclosed this at the expert meeting of WAHO in Abuja, said government’s commitment to health is unwavering as evident in the administration’s National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which is designed to reduce physical and financial pains, and engender health for all Nigerians.
lsokpunwu stated that Nigeria, as one of the largest and most populous countries in the region, offers unique perspectives and challenges with a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across all communities.
On his part, WAHO Director General, Dr. Aissi Joel, observed that the global community is five years away from the deadline set for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, adding that the pressure is mounting on all states and those of the ECOWAS region in particular, given the progress made to achieve the expected results in the long- term.
He noted that the meeting themed, ‘the Quality of Healthcare in the ECOWAS region, Determinants and Prospects’ is in continuity with the theme of the 24th World Health Assembly WHA, adding that to achieve the required quality in the provision of healthcare, human resources for health must be available, with the norms and standards of quality established.
He urged the experts to carry out a critical analysis accompanied by concrete solutions to comply with the WHO recommendation on breastfeeding up to the age of six months, which is one of the most effective ways of preserving health and ensuring child survival.
