Nigeria Launches Maiden Health Promotion Day, Prioritizing Prevention

Announced by the Coordinating  Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the day is celebrated as a major milestone in the nation’s health sector, with Nigeria leading the charge in Africa and globally in setting aside a specific day to spotlight health promotion.

Dr. Pate emphasized that health promotion is central to Nigeria’s vision of a robust and productive population. Rather than waiting until illness strikes, he urged citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and take preventative steps.

“Health promotion is about producing health and sustaining it,”he said, advocating for proactive actions such as routine health checks, improved diet, and regular exercise. By focusing on wellness over illness, Nigeria aims to reduce healthcare costs and build a resilient population”. He added.

 The event included the launch of the “Know Your Numbers” campaign, encouraging all adults to track key health metrics such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. “Early detection of conditions like hypertension and diabetes can significantly reduce complications and long-term costs”.

The Minister also emphasized the role of community involvement and individual action in promoting public health, urging families to incorporate health-promoting practices into their daily lives.

 “This Health Promotion Day is an extension of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a healthier, wealthier nation, and follows a resolution passed by the National Council on Health in 2023”. Dr. Pate expressed appreciation for the collaboration of the 36 state health commissioners, various health agencies, and civil society groups in driving this initiative, which aims to tackle prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancers.

“Nigeria’s approach to health extends beyond physical wellness to include mental health and community safety, addressing issues like substance abuse and basic hygiene”.The Minister highlighted recent collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to curb child mortality rates through preventive treatments, exemplifying Nigeria’s commitment to health leadership within the region.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,  Daju Kachelom who was represented by Director of Food and Drug Services, Dr. Olubunmi Aribeana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of Nigerians through informed and healthier lifestyle choices.

“This day reflects our collective drive towards building a healthier Nigeria by promoting choices that encourage well-being,”Kachelom conveyed, emphasizing the ministry’s vision for sustainable health initiatives.

Kachelom discussed Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with communicable and non-communicable diseases, noting that health promotion is essential in empowering Nigerians to take control of their health and social environments, referencing the 2016 Shanghai Declaration and the 2021 Geneva Charter, both of which emphasize health promotion as a tool to foster well-being without compromising environmental resources.

Highlighting the critical role of collaboration across sectors, she called for the involvement of leaders from all areas to champion health as an integral part of sustainable development, especially amid Nigeria’s expanding population and urbanization trends.

The Permanent Secretary underscored the need for a unified approach to health promotion, involving ministries, development partners, civil society, and community leaders.

The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 3rd National Health Promotion Conference, Dr. Ejike Oji highlighted the critical need for health promotion, emphasizing that the nation has a “better future to look forward to it healthcare sector” under the guidance of Nigeria’s Health Minister.

He noted the Minister’s commitment to strengthening healthcare, which he believes signals a brighter outlook for public health in Nigeria.

Dr. Oji outlined the conference’s key objectives: advancing health promotion as a national agenda, fostering inter-sectoral collaboration, implementing evidence-based practices, and empowering communities to adopt healthier lifestyles.

He stressed the urgency of these goals, citing recent statistics showing high rates of preventable diseases and malnutrition in Nigeria.

“Nigeria continues to experience high rates of preventable diseases, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases,”he said. “Many of these could be alleviated through effective health promotion strategies.”

The WHO Country Representative to Nigeria Dr. Kazadi Molumbo, represented by Alexander Chimbaru, Advisor Health Security, (WHO) said this commemorative day approved at the 64th National Council on Health (NCH) in Ekiti in 2023, marks a significant step forward in the country’s health sector renewal efforts.

“The theme of this year’s National Health Promotion Day, “Health Promotion: a Catalyst for Sustainable Health and Well-being of Nigerians,” aligns with the World Health Assembly’s resolution on integrating well-being into public health.

WHO pledged ongoing support to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as state ministries, in implementing health promotion policies that empower communities.

Dr. Mulombo reiterated WHO’s goal to ensure that no one is left behind, and he emphasized that a multisectoral approach to health promotion is key to achieving long-lasting health benefits for all Nigerians.

This national observance has set a high standard for health advocacy promoting an all-of-society approach where the private sector, communities, and individuals work together toward a healthier future. Dr. Pate encouraged the media to expand the reach of this vital message, ensuring that Nigerians nationwide understand the significance of preventive healthcare in securing a brighter future.