As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate National Self-Care Day 2025, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting self-care as a vital pillar of the national health policy and a shared responsibility among citizens.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, made this known through his representative, the Director of Food and Drug Services, Pharm. Olubunmi Aribiana, during a ministerial press briefing held in Abuja to mark this year’s observance.
Pharm. Aribiana underscored that self-care is a necessity, not a luxury, in the pursuit of better health for Nigerians.
“This marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey toward promoting health and wellness,” she said.
“Self-care is not the absence of care; it is the amplification of care. It empowers individuals, families, and communities to take ownership of their health.”
She noted that 24 July is globally recognised as International Self-Care Day, reflecting the importance of practicing self-care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Aribiana further highlighted the government’s development of national guidelines and a demand generation strategy focused on sexual, reproductive, and maternal health through self-care.
However, she emphasised the need for cross-sector collaboration to ensure the effectiveness of these efforts.
“The power to transform health outcomes rests not only in our hospitals but also in our homes, schools, and communities,” she added.
“Your health is your wealth; own it, protect it, and celebrate it.”
In her welcome address, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director and Head of the Department of Family Health, described the commemoration as a national call to empower every Nigerian, regardless of background, to take proactive steps in managing their health.
“Our slogan, Prevent, Protect, and Empower, reminds us that healthcare is not just about treatment; it’s about prevention and giving people tools for healthy choices,” she said.
She also called for collective action to build a resilient and health-conscious society, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the vision of universal health coverage.
Representing the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Alex Crasasira, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, applauded the Nigerian government’s leadership in implementing self-care policies since 2020, urging further domestication of tools such as the WHO Self-Care Wheel.
“With millions in Africa lacking access to essential health services, self-care interventions can transform health outcomes,” he said.
Dr Crasasira advocated for updating national self-care guidelines and building healthcare workers’ capacity to effectively support the movement.
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From the perspective of the implementing community, Dr Anthony Nwala, Chief Programme Officer at the Society for Family Health (SFH), commended the progress achieved since Nigeria adopted self-care practices.
He revealed that self-injection users in Nigeria have increased from 4,000 in 2020 to over 110,000 monthly in 2025.
“This is a testament to the dedication and collaboration among partners,” he stated.
“As we mark this day, let us recommit to expanding self-care access to the most vulnerable, especially those in rural and underserved areas.”
Also speaking, Ms Omolade Ogunlela, Programme, Advocacy, and Communication Manager representing the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, praised the strategic impact of the National Self-Care Coordination Committee, inaugurated in 2023.
“At White Ribbon Alliance, we’re focused on ensuring that women and girls are not left out,” she said.
“We are deliberately building partnerships with healthcare professionals to ensure that self-care for sexual and reproductive health is championed.”
She described the occasion as a celebration of collective commitment and highlighted self-care as a direct path to achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.
The 2025 National Self-Care Day, held in Abuja, brought together stakeholders from government, development partners, civil society, and the media to reflect on progress, share insights, and pledge renewed efforts to mainstream self-care across Nigeria’s health system.