The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with the media to advance healthcare reforms and achieve universal health coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
At the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) in Abuja, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, underscored the media’s critical role in health education and advocacy. The event, themed “Strengthening Sector-Wide Approach Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes,” provided a platform to address challenges and showcase progress in the health sector.
Dr. Anas highlighted achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, improve healthcare access, and strengthen health systems. However, she acknowledged persistent challenges such as limited funding, poor infrastructure, and workforce shortages.
“We have adopted a national strategy to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by expanding healthcare access, improving care quality, and involving communities in health delivery,” she said. She also praised global partners like WHO and UNICEF for their support and urged deeper collaboration to sustain reforms.
Addressing cultural barriers, Dr. Anas emphasized the need to engage religious and traditional leaders in health advocacy campaigns, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
In a related discussion, Professor Usman Malami, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), revealed challenges with the Indigent Cancer Patient Fund. Represented by Professor Ali Gombe, he noted that about 15% of applications for the fund, focused on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, have been approved since NICRAT took over in August. He assured stakeholders of transparency and equitable fund distribution while advocating for increased funding.
Similarly, the Ministry of Health’s Director of Nutrition, Dr. Ladidi Bako Aiyegbusi, represented by Adinike Bayode, called for heightened awareness and support for state-level nutrition policies to combat malnutrition and ensure food security.
ANHEJ President, Comrade Joseph Kadiri, lauded the conference for fostering dialogue between journalists, health professionals, and policymakers. He reiterated the media’s role in holding the health sector accountable and promoting better public health outcomes.
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