Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening regional health systems at the 26th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers, held in Praia, Cape Verde.
Praia, Cabo Verde | May 5-6, 2025
Health Experts of #ECOWAS gather as part of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Health Ministers. The goal: to provide guidance on regional health priorities and strategies to @OoasWaho. #AHM2025 #WAHO #HealthSecurity #OneHealth https://t.co/5DuGIsPQfQ pic.twitter.com/0s0iAJMBdM— WAHO | OOAS (@OoasWaho) May 6, 2025
Delivering Nigeria’s address, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziak Salako, extended warm greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of ECOWAS, and expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the host nation.
Dr Salako commended the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for its leadership in enhancing regional health security, fostering capacity development, and coordinating cross-border responses.
A Call for Community-Centred Health Systems
The theme of this year’s session, “Community Health Principles and Standards”, was a focal point in Dr Salako’s address.
He highlighted the need for community-driven approaches to address critical issues including:
- High maternal and child mortality rates,
- Human resource shortages,
- Migration of healthcare professionals.
“We must intensify efforts to ensure universal access to equitable, quality, and community-based health services,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Health Sector Reform: The Renewed Hope Agenda
Dr Salako outlined bold health sector reforms being undertaken under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including:
- Revitalisation of 17,000 primary healthcare centres by 2027,
- Training of 120,000 frontline health workers,
- Implementation of task-shifting and task-sharing policies to optimise service delivery.
He also announced the mobilisation of $200 million in domestic funding to sustain HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes, ensuring continuity as international donor support decreases.
A key highlight was the Presidential Executive Order to drive local vaccine and pharmaceutical production, which he described as essential for regional self-sufficiency and resilience.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Dr Salako called for enhanced digital integration through Nigeria’s Digital-in-Health Initiative, aimed at improving efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and service delivery across all tiers of healthcare.
He also lauded the Nigerian government’s decision to grant financial autonomy to local governments, noting it as a “transformational step” in strengthening grassroots health governance.
Collective Action for Health Security
Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Vision 2050, Dr Salako stressed that health challenges must be tackled through collective action, sustained investment, and bold regional leadership.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to supporting regional frameworks that deliver health for all,” he concluded.
Comments are closed.