DG WHO Lauds Nigerias Progress Towards UHC
The Director- General, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus has lauded Nigerian health sector’s efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in the country.
Speaking during the Media briefing in Abuja, the Director – General, announced the Organization’ s new five year strategic plan targeted at seeing that one billion more people have access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2023.
He further said that Nigeria is a critical partner on the Global stage because the country is driving health policies on the Africa Continent.
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He also reiterated WHO’s commitment towards supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards improving healthcare delivery for the vulnerable populace.
‘’ Nigeria’s leadership has shown determination in promoting healthcare coverage with the expansion of Primary Healthcare Centers’’, he said.
Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the foundation of a strong Health System is built on Primary Healthcare with focus on diseases prevention and health promotion.
‘’ such health system do not only provide the best health outcomes, they also provide the best defense against outbreaks and other health emergences. UHC and Health Security are truly two sides of the same coin’’ he added.
He stressed the need for Community ownership of the Primary Health Care Centers adding that it would encourage the participation of other interest groups.
He expressed political commitment as a key step towards achieving UHC.
‘’ The Government’s ambition to reach 100 million Nigerians with basic Primary Healthcare System package is truly admirable’’ he added.
In his remarks, the Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole appreciated the synergy between WHO and Nigeria’s Health Sector targeted at achieving UHC in Nigeria which Adewole said was underlined by the DG, WHO’’s statement during the THISDAY dialogue Panel session, earlier. ”…. it is not a question of whether to invest in health or not. The question should be why not invest in the Health Sector’’ he reminded,
To this end, Prof. Adewole urged State Governors to key in with the policy of Revitalization of PHCs across the country by the Federal Government.
He re-appealed to WHO to consider Nigeria’s request of having a certified Regional laboratory located in Nigeria adding that it would enable the country track outbreaks of diseases and perform laboratory tests faster than it was being done.
