The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has highlighted the pivotal role of traditional and religious leaders in shaping a people-centered approach to healthcare in Nigeria.
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The minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, traditional institutions, and religious organizations for improved health outcomes and national unity at the fourth quarter 2023 review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery (NTLC) in Abuja, Nigeria.
“The meeting served as a platform to discuss strategies for achieving an efficient, equitable, and high-quality health system,” he said.
Prof. Pate commended the substantial contributions of traditional and religious leaders to the healthcare sector.
“The involvement of traditional and religious leaders in shaping perceptions, dispelling myths, and mobilizing communities is recognized as invaluable,” he said.
Prof. Pate who stressed the significance of community ownership and engagement, outlined key strategies, including strengthening the primary healthcare system, training frontline health workers, and utilizing innovation for immunization services.
The minister also highlighted the recent Health Sector Renewal Compact with state governors and development partners, emphasizing health as a priority in Nigeria’s national development agenda.
Dr. Pate who acknowledged the unique influence of traditional and religious leaders in healthcare service delivery, emphasises the need for partnerships to achieve ambitious health targets.
The Executive Director (ED) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said the NTLC is a beacon of hope for accessible healthcare.
Dr. Aina expressed commitment to collaboration with predecessors and strengthening the partnership between NPHCDA and NTLC.
fostering collaboration with predecessors and reinforcing the partnership between NPHCDA and NTLC.
He expressed gratitude for the significant participation of traditional leaders in championing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, recognizing their pivotal role in transforming primary healthcare in Nigeria.
Dr. Aina who noted the significance of the HPV vaccine, addressed initial resistance, and emphasised that the vaccine is safety and efficient in preventing cervical cancer.
The Executive Direvtor urged NTLC to actively contribute to expanding fully functional Primary Health Centers (PHCs), equipped to save lives and enhance maternal and child health.
“There is need to fortify PHCs for effective detection, response, and leadership during outbreaks, including local health issues and humanitarian concerns,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, recognized the collaborative efforts needed to attain healthcare targets and enhance health outcomes across the nation.
He voiced support for the health sector renewal investment initiative introduced by the President, expressing optimism in its transformative impact on healthcare delivery.
Chairman of NTLC, HRH ALH. Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, emphasized a new era of change and transformation, highlighting the pivotal role of a partnership compact involving traditional leaders, the federal government, and state government.
“I advocated for capacity building within the traditional institution and clearer mapping of capacities for effective utilization,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to actively engage in collaborative efforts, addressing challenges and fostering positive transformations in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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