Afrigather Abuja, 16 December, 2023 – The World Well being Group (WHO) in collaboration with its companions is supporting the federal government of Nigeria find evidence-based and sustainable options in direction of the attainment of Common Well being Protection (UHC) by 2030.
That is to speed up the continuing effort of the federal government to make sure that all Nigerians regardless of age, standing, and geographic location, have entry to the complete vary of high quality well being providers they want, when and the place they want them, with out monetary hardship.
Consequently, December 12 yearly has been designated by the WHO for governments to resume their dedication whereas offering the distinctive alternative for advocates to boost their voices in demand for environment friendly investments in well being in direction of UHC.
Addressing Journalists after the UHC commemorative stroll in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister for Well being and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate mentioned the President Tinubu-led administration is set to enhance the well being of Nigerians by means of optimistic well being transformation that may result in the attainment of UHC.
The three.5-kilometre March tagged “Stroll for Well being” was a part of the actions embarked upon to commemorate the Common Well being Protection (UHC) Day in Abuja on 12 December 2023.
The Minister mentioned that Well being is a elementary human proper and the Federal Authorities by means of the Federal Ministry of Well being stays dedicated to delivering equitable and optimum well being outcomes for all Nigerians.
He famous that the Nationwide Well being Insurance coverage Authority had made it obligatory for everybody to be enrolled and entry a package deal of important well being providers free on the level of use.
“It will result in funding to increase the standard of healthcare providers that Nigerians entry by means of the first healthcare programs and hospitals. We count on that states will complement the hassle of the Federal Authorities to ensure the participation of each stakeholder, to make sure that the society is more healthy.
Good well being is core to harnessing Nigeria’s biggest asset, its human capital, which is on the coronary heart of our relentless efforts to make sure that all Nigerians are on the trail to gaining access to improved high quality well being providers with out monetary hardship” he mentioned.
Professor Pate additional suggested Nigerians to handle their well being by partaking in workouts to maintain match and eat good meals.
In his comment, the WHO Nation Consultant, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo mentioned the stroll was to create consciousness and remind everybody that the world was lagging in offering Common Well being Protection to the inhabitants. He expressed WHO’s dedication alongside different UN businesses and companions in direction of accelerating well being for all, as that is the time for motion.
“WHO alongside different companions will assist the nation find options to most of its well being challenges. It is a chance for us to rethink the best way we do our enterprise and affiliate in direction of common protection for everybody.
The brand new funding initiative gives the hope that may change the course of well being in Nigeria as a result of Nigeria issues. If we are able to do it in Nigeria, it will affect Africa and now have a ripple impact globally,” he mentioned.
Different individuals on the stroll included the Minister of State for Well being, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Well being, heads of businesses, CSOs, media and companions within the well being sector.
Technical contact:
Dr Francis Ukwuije; E mail: ukwuijef [at] who.int
