The Nigerian government and the United States seek to strengthen their partnership by enhancing collaboration in defence health, building on the establishment of advanced laboratories in Nigeria.
The move is to bolster Defence Health Services and strengthen the partnership between the United States and Nigeria, as the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle met with a U.S. delegation led by Dr. David Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike said the Minister commended the U.S. for their efforts and called for the expansion of these medical facilities beyond Abuja and Lagos to reach more deserved regions.
Dr. Matawalle emphasized the strategic integration of health services to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stating, “a healthy military is the backbone of a strong nation.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that military personnel have access to top-tier healthcare services and facilities. To this end, he called for an increase in the defence budget allocated to health, viewing it as a vital investment in the nation’s future and stability.
Matawalle explained that these initiatives aligned with Nigeria’s broader commitment to enhancing military readiness while addressing public health challenges that affect both service members and the civilian population.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration “is dedicated to improving healthcare for military personnel and civilians, recognizing healthcare as a cornerstone of national security.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated that this initiative would positively impact military health and serve as a model for strengthening Nigeria’s overall healthcare system.
“This collaboration marks a turning point for Nigeria’s defence health system,” he asserted.
Dr. Smith praised the Minister for his proactive approach to health readiness, underscoring the critical connection between health systems and military effectiveness.
He said; “Health is as crucial as any weapon system in ensuring military success, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its defence health system.”
The U.S. delegation is in Nigeria to further advance initiatives aimed at sustaining progress against HIV, accelerating efforts towards the United Nations’ 95-95-95 goals, and working towards the elimination of HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) established the 95-95-95 targets, to address the high burden of treatment of the disease.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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