Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the acting regional director for Africa at WHO, during his inaugural visit to Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system, enhancing disease response, and eradicating polio. He highlighted the need for strategic health reforms and integration of healthcare professionals into public systems. Ihekweazu praised Nigeria’s health initiatives and expressed support for ongoing reforms under the government’s SWAP initiative.
In his first official visit since becoming the acting regional director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed a commitment to fortifying Nigeria’s health system and combating polio. Ihekweazu emphasized Nigeria’s significance to WHO’s mission in Africa, highlighting his role amid a backdrop of recent changes in leadership at the organization. With Nigeria being the most extensive country office in Africa, understanding local health initiatives is a priority for Ihekweazu.
Dr. Ihekweazu commended Nigeria’s proactive health reforms and praised the Minister of Health for their leadership in these efforts. He acknowledged current challenges, such as the resurgence of the variant type 2 poliovirus, advocating for an intensified coordinated response to ensure vaccination and surveillance efforts are effectively mobilized. He assured stakeholders of WHO’s dedication to helping Nigeria eliminate the polio threat.
The acting regional director outlined broader health challenges facing Africa, including shortages in healthcare workforce and inadequate infrastructure. He remarked on the need for urgent reforms to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across the continent. He underscored the necessity for trained healthcare professionals to be integrated into public systems to better serve communities.
Ihekweazu recognized Nigeria’s efforts towards health financing reforms and primary healthcare revitalization through the Sector-Wide Approach initiative. He commended the progress made in the health sector and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to support these advancements to create a more resilient health system. He also highlighted the critical need for enhanced disease surveillance and response mechanisms.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu’s visit underscores WHO’s ongoing collaboration with Nigeria to address public health challenges. His commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s healthcare system, enhancing disease surveillance, and advancing polio eradication initiatives is pivotal. The emphasis on reforming health systems and encouraging local ownership of healthcare financing illustrates a strategic approach to reinforcing health frameworks in Nigeria and beyond.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
