The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerians to prioritise both individual and collective responsibility in building an inclusive and sustainable healthcare system.
Mrs Soludo made the call in a statement issued in Awka on Tuesday to mark World Health Day, observed annually on April 7.
She said improved health outcomes cannot be achieved by government efforts alone, stressing the need for a shared national commitment.
“This message is not for the government alone. While leadership action is critical, the process demands a collective vision,” the Governor’s wife emphasised.
The annual observance, established to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948, draws attention to global health challenges and mobilises action on priority issues.
The 2026 theme, “Together for Health,” highlights widening inequalities that continue to limit access to quality healthcare, education, and safe living conditions across the world. https://jessup.ilsa.org/
According to estimates by the global health body, at least half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services, with preventable diseases and health emergencies disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.
Mrs Soludo noted that inclusive healthcare systems, which guarantee access regardless of income or location, remain critical to sustainable development and societal progress.
“Health is the greatest wealth and the most important measure of a thriving society. Building a solid and inclusive health system is a necessity, not a choice,” she said.
The Governor’s wife highlighted grassroots efforts in Anambra State through her non-governmental initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, which promotes healthy living through weekly fitness programmes, public health education and community outreach.
The initiative, she said, has contributed to increased health awareness and behavioural change, particularly in preventive healthcare practices.
Public health experts say lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity and preventive care, play a critical role in reducing non-communicable diseases, which account for more than 70 per cent of global deaths, according to WHO data.
Mrs Soludo therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt consistent healthy habits, noting that health outcomes are shaped by daily decisions rather than isolated efforts.
“Health is not a one-off process. It is a collection of simple but significant daily actions. Be mindful of what you consume and take care of yourself always. Health is irreplaceable,” she said.
The Governor’s wife also called on governments, institutions and communities to align efforts towards achieving universal health coverage, a key target under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As global health systems face ongoing challenges, including pandemics, climate-related risks and funding gaps, this year’s World Health Day highlights the need for coordinated action to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.