From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recommitted the cause of improving health emergency services in Nigeria, particularly in northeast states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY).
Both parties also strengthened their commitment to provide leadership and coordination of medical support services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the states.
These decisions were taken at 13th Joint Operational Review (JOR) held in Yola, Adamawa State, recently, which was attended by key stakeholders from the Federal and concerned State Ministries of Health, health Agencies, UN Agencies, public health experts and partners working in the BAY states.
WHO, in a statement, on Monday, said that the primary objective of the JOR was to identify and document the best practices, gaps, challenges and lessons learned during the 2023 response to humanitarian emergencies in the BAY States, so as to further prioritize efforts and resources of WHO and partners to deliver results and align with up-to-date, evidence-based plans.
Additionally, the JOR was also aimed at providing support to the States in developing operational strategies for 2024, in line with the health challenges in the region.
WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, on a sideline event, confirmed that the 13th JOR assisted in identifying opportunities and assessing the impact of WHO’s work in the BAY states.
Dr. Mulombo, particularly advocated strengthening of Tuberculosis (TB) case detection, reporting and treatment to improve the low TB detection and treatment rate in the state.
He said: “Everyone is entitled to have access to basic health care services, and the WHO is committed to providing, promoting, and protecting quality health care system, including to the underserved affected by humanitarian crises.”
He promised that WHO will be working closely with the Borno state government to enhance the detection and treatment rate of Tuberculosis in the state.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, represented by Mrs. Anthonia Chukwuemeka, commended WHO for championing health for all agenda and pushing for Nigeria to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Mrs. Chukwuemeka was optimistic that the JOR will enhance the humanitarian response in the BAY states in the coming year, thus reaching the underserved populations with essential health services.
Recommendations made at the meeting included a call for continued implementation of lifesaving interventions including utilizing local structures to reach underserved populations; the development of a multi-hazard plan with focus on preparedness; strengthening program integration to improve case detection and treatment of tuberculosis; building resilience, and ensuring the reliability of data emanating from the BAY states.
Concerns were also raised about the dwindling humanitarian funds from national and international fronts which, they said, was interfering with the provision of extensive health emergency response in the affected states.