FG Prioritizes Health Education, Prevention to Curb Diseases, Reduce Mortality

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing health education and prevention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases, lowering mortality rates, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

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The Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known when he received a delegation from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), led by its Executive Vice President for Infectious Diseases, Dr. David Ripin.

Dr. Salako highlighted the alarming prevalence of diseases such as cancers, hypertension, and diabetes in Nigeria, emphasizing that the government is taking a proactive approach through health education and prevention measures.

He revealed that the Ministry’s 2025 budget would prioritize cancer prevention programs at all levels.

“This year in our budget, we are focusing a lot of attention on cancer. And a lot of that funding will be around cancer prevention, both at primary and secondary prevention levels, with screening and population-based prevention,” the Minister stated.

He also noted that the government is intensifying efforts to reduce high maternal mortality rates through the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.

This initiative, he explained, aims to improve maternal care, especially in high-burden local governments, by introducing minimal technology and ultrasound services to encourage more women to seek antenatal care.

Dr. Salako commended the long-standing partnership between the Ministry and CHAI, stating that their collaboration continues to yield positive results for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Speaking on CHAI’s contributions, the organization’s Country Director, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, outlined key interventions, including a 50% reduction in the cost of some chemotherapies and support for over 20 treatment centers across the country.

She further disclosed that CHAI has integrated cervical cancer screening into routine healthcare services, enabling women aged 25 and above to access screening easily.

“Through strategic price reductions, the cost of HPV test kits has dropped from $20 to $7, allowing over 57,000 women to be screened for cervical cancer”.

The meeting underscored the government’s resolve to strengthen health education, disease prevention, and maternal healthcare to build a healthier population in Nigeria.