Nigerian Government Seeks Unified Action to Tackle Public Health Challenges

The Nigeria Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Salako, has called for a unified and integrated approach to address Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other public health challenges in Nigeria.

 

READ ALSO:Experts Advocate Cautious Use of AI in Public Health Promotion Practice

 

Speaking at the High-Level Advocacy Meeting with Honourable Commissioners of Health from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), held in Abuja the nation’s capital, the Minister emphasized the importance of leadership, governance, and collaboration in improving health outcomes.

Dr. Salako highlighted the critical role of public health in national development, noting that Nigeria’s population of over 220 million faces numerous health challenges that affect socio-economic progress.

“Effective public health systems are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in health outcomes and reducing the burden on the healthcare system,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by scarce resources, Dr. Salako advocated for integrating public health activities to maximize impact and efficiency. He stressed the importance of aligning efforts across sectors and programs to tackle the interconnected health issues facing the country.

He particularly underscored the burden of NTDs, which continue to afflict vulnerable and marginalized communities, causing physical suffering, social stigma, and economic hardship.

While commending recent progress in treatment and prevention, the Minister urged stakeholders to sustain efforts to eliminate these diseases and ensure that no one is left behind.

Dr. Salako also addressed other public health concerns, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, non-communicable diseases, and mental health disorders.

He called for a multi-dimensional approach involving all levels of government, partners, and communities to tackle these pressing issues.

“This meeting is a call to action,” Dr. Salako said. “It is an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify challenges, and chart a way forward by mobilizing resources, scaling up interventions, and embracing innovative solutions.”

Dr. Salako lauded the role of state health commissioners in translating national policies into effective programs at the grassroots level. He urged them to prioritize implementation, advocate for resources, and enhance collaboration with stakeholders, including civil society and international partners.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom, noted that Nigeria accounts for 25% of all NTD cases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Diseases such as Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, and Schistosomiasis impact vulnerable populations, particularly children and women in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.

She emphasized the need for state governments to prioritize NTD elimination through improved budgeting, resource mobilization, and program integration.

Ms. Kachollom explained that the meeting’s objectives include reviewing states’ budgeting processes, sharing the national NTD portfolio, and aligning programs with the SWAP agenda to foster universal health coverage.

She urged all stakeholders to actively participate in discussions aimed at boosting political will, securing financial support, and enhancing attention to public health challenges.

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the contributions of development partners and organizations like Uniting to Combat NTDs for their support.

She expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts of government, private sector, and stakeholders would lead to the elimination of NTDs and improve public health across the nation.

 

In his presentation, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health Dr. Chukwuemeka Anyaike emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing these diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in rural and marginalized communities.

“We must ensure no one is left behind as we work towards the 2030 goals, aligning our efforts with the Kigali Declaration,” he stated, highlighting the Federal Government’s resolve to change the trajectory of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Dr. Anyaike expressed concern over the resurgence of leprosy in the country, with over 2,500 new cases reported annually, 10% of which involve children. This worrying trend, he said, indicates active transmission in communities and underscores the need for a coordinated response.

He urged participants to focus on integrated services and to prioritize hard-to-reach areas, where healthcare delivery often faces significant challenges. “Our efforts must address these low-hanging fruits to ensure that everyone benefits from the health package of the current administration”. He noted.

 

The two-day meeting brought together Commissioners of Health from the 36 states and the FCT, development partners, and other stakeholders to strategize on effective policies and resource optimization.

Dr. Anyaike stressed the critical role of sub-national leaders in translating national policies into tangible improvements in healthcare outcomes. “State-level leadership is key to implementing programs and advocating for resources to tackle NTDs and other public health challenges,”. He added.

Supported by United NTDs and other development partners, the meeting serves as a platform to strengthen partnerships, mobilize resources, and scale up interventions in an integrated manner.

Dr. Anyaike called for innovative solutions and enhanced collaboration across sectors to achieve better health outcomes. “With unwavering political will and collective action, we can build a healthier, more equitable Nigeria for all”. He added.

The two-day meeting brought together Commissioners of Health from the 36 states and the FCT, development partners, and other stakeholders to strategize on effective policies and resource optimization.

 

Highlighting Nigeria’s fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases, the Director/National Coordinator of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Fatai Oyediran, said Nigeria’s commitment to combating NTDs is a critical step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Dr. Dr. Oyediran emphasized the significant burden NTDs place on the country, with Nigeria accounting for 50% of the global NTD burden and 25% within Africa.

These diseases predominantly affect impoverished and rural populations, especially women and children, thriving in areas with poor sanitation, inadequate water supply, and substandard housing conditions.

 

Highlighting Nigeria’s strategy, Dr. Oyediran detailed a dual approach encompassing preventive measures such as mass drug administration for diseases like onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis, alongside case management efforts targeting conditions like snakebite envenoming and rabies.

“Notably, Nigeria has integrated mental health into its NTD interventions, addressing the psychological distress and stigma often associated with these conditions, it is important for a comprehensive mapping to better identify and address endemic areas” he noted that all 774 local government areas in Nigeria are affected by one or more NTDs.

Dr. Oyediran warned of the far-reaching impacts of NTDs, including blindness, malnutrition, stunted growth, and social isolation, which trap communities in cycles of poverty and hinder national development.

He called on policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to amplify interventions such as advocacy, stigma reduction, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices.

“Addressing NTDs is essential not only for health but for economic growth and social development,” Dr. Oyediran stated, urging a united effort to break the cycle of disease and poverty and ensure universal health coverage for all Nigerians.