In order to develop a people-centered approach to healthcare in the nation, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has enlisted the aid of traditional and religious leaders.The minister stated that cooperation between the government, traditional institutions, and religious organizations is essential for better health outcomes and maintaining national unity during the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery (NTLC) fourth quarter 2023 review meeting in Abuja.
In addition, Pate stated that the government can reach its lofty health goals with the help of traditional and religious leaders in the delivery of healthcare services. The conference serves as a forum for policies aimed at creating an effective, fair, and superior health system.
He said that Nigeria's national development prioritizes health, as evidenced by the recent Health Sector Renewal Compact with state governors. The compact emphasized community ownership, strengthening the primary healthcare system, training frontline health workers, and leveraging innovation for immunization services.
"It is acknowledged that traditional and religious leaders play a crucial role in influencing attitudes, busting myths, and inspiring communities," he stated.
Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), emphasized the importance of bolstering PHCs to enable efficient identification, management, and guidance during epidemics, including regional health matters and humanitarian emergencies.
Dr. Aina pledged to work with those who came before her and to fortify the alliance between NPHCDA and NTLC.
Aina emphasized the significance of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, informed the traditional leaders that the vaccine is effective and safe in preventing cervical cancer, and thanked them for their support of the HPV vaccination campaign.
He called on the NTLC to take a proactive role in extending Primary Health Centers (PHCs) that are fully operational and outfitted with equipment to improve mother and child health and save lives.
Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, stated in his speech that cooperation is essential to meeting healthcare goals and improving the nation's health outcomes.
He endorsed the President's health sector rejuvenation investment proposal and voiced hope for its revolutionary effects on healthcare delivery.
HRH Alhj. Sama'ila Muhammad Mera, the Chairman of the NTLC, promoted capacity building within the established institution and more precise capacity mapping for efficient utilization.