By Vincess Okushi
Health commissioners across the 36 States and the FCT have been urged to keep PHC high on the agenda of governments to ensure priority investment in the development of the sector in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) country Representative in Nigeria Dr. Walter Mulombo gave the charge at the Induction Ceremony of the Newly Appointed State Commissioners of Health on 2nd November 2023 in Abuja.
He said as leaders of the health sector who are close to the people, it is demanding of them to be proactive stressing that shifting focus from mere concepts to actions will provide a greater resilience to health emergencies in the country.
Speaking on the theme “Navigating Health Leadership: From Promise to Impact”. Dr. Walter said the event is critical as it is designed to equip the new health leaders with the clear perspectives required for the effective discharge of duties in line with the renewed hope agenda of the government.
Let me first congratulate you on your appointment as Commissioners in your respective states. This, as you are aware, has placed enormous responsibilities upon your shoulders towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health security in Nigeria. Considering the political economy of the country, your position is unique in steering your states in the right direction in line with federal government policies and agenda despite the prevailing challenges based on your state-specific contexts.The health situation in Nigeria requires uncommon approaches to make a remarkable difference. With the ongoing increase in the burden of non-communicable diseases on the background of the high burden of communicable diseases, multiple outbreaks, and the highest out-of-pocket expenditure on health in the region, more Nigerians are falling into poverty due to ill health while many do not have access to the quality essential health services they need.
