WHO-AFRO Chief Dr. Ihekweazu Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Health Reforms
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu from WHO visited Nigeria to reaffirm support for health reforms and polio eradication. He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance and discussed challenges like workforce shortages and the resurgence of poliovirus. Emphasizing collaboration and resource sustainability, Ihekweazu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s health system capabilities while recognizing the need for stronger health financing.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the acting regional director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO), reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare system and addressing disease outbreaks during his inaugural visit to the country in Abuja. He emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role in WHO’s efforts across the continent. This visit aimed to deepen his understanding of their work supporting the Nigerian Federal Government’s health priorities.
Ihekweazu, who succeeded Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, was appointed after the untimely passing of Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, who was selected to be the next regional director. Following his appointment as assistant director-general for health emergency intelligence and surveillance at WHO, he previously built Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and led the country through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ihekweazu commended the proactive measures Nigeria has taken concerning health reforms and praised the Minister of Health’s leadership. He noted that WHO’s role is to provide technical assistance in alignment with the country’s health priorities. He addressed the resurgence of variant type 2 poliovirus in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of coordinated responses and vigilance in vaccination efforts to halt transmission.
Addressing Africa’s broader health challenges, he highlighted workforce shortages and inadequate infrastructure while calling for urgent reforms for sustainable healthcare delivery. He acknowledged the progress Nigeria has made in health financing and primary healthcare revitalization under the government’s Sector-Wide Approach initiative, asserting that WHO will continue to endorse these reforms for a more resilient system.
As part of his discussions, Ihekweazu recognized the need for robust surveillance and response mechanisms amid recent disease outbreaks in Africa. He provided assurance of WHO’s support to countries facing health threats, such as the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing that health threats transcend borders and necessitate strong global vaccination efforts.
Moreover, he pointed out the declining international donor funding for health, urging African governments to enhance their ownership of healthcare financing responsibilities. Ihekweazu stressed that WHO remains committed to aiding countries in constructing sustainable health systems with robust domestic funding supports, reinforcing that Nigeria’s health system development is a priority.
In conclusion, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu’s visit to Nigeria underscores WHO’s commitment to supporting health reforms, disease eradication efforts, particularly polio, and the development of better health systems across Africa. His observations on the urgent need for workforce integration, vaccinations, and sustainable financing reflect ongoing challenges and the imperative for coordinated actions to improve public health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
