From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The federal government said Nigeria still has among the worst health indices on earth, regarding child, Maternal and even road traffic accidents, despite considerable expenditure on health.
Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire disclosed this at the inauguration of the South-South Traditional Leaders Committee(SSTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, held in Benin City.
Dr Ehanire said working with the various communities’ traditional and religious leaders would help broaden their subjects’ knowledge in accepting vaccines and other medical aids that would help improve their health conditions.
” Nigeria still has among the worst health indices on earth, regarding child, Maternal and even road traffic accidents, despite considerable expenditure on health.
“Most of this happens in rural areas with no health care, but plenty of ignorance.
“To change things we must win the people’s trust, confidence and acceptance of government health interventions to save lives and reduce illness.
“Your Majesties and Highnesses, no doubt share the same wish and, being close to those at the grassroots level, you play a big role in social and behaviour change communication and mobilisation.
“You also know the fears, aspirations, and needs and enjoy the trust and respect of your position, which makes Traditional institutions invaluable in our efforts to move the needle in basic health care delivery in Nigeria.
“I am confident that the committee, we shall inaugurate soon will harness the knowledge and experience in community mobilisation, health promotion, disease prevention and surveillance, to improve interest and trust in primary health care service in South-South zone in particular, and Nigeria at large.
“We believe the partnership will bridge the gap between the people and the health system, and ensure no one is left behind in the journey to universal health coverage.
“We, on our side, assure continuous improvement in availability and quality of care, with the cooperation of State and Local governments, to have one functional next-generation PHC per Ward, redesigned to have Staff quarters and solar power for day-and-night service, potable water supply (from the borehole), Keke Ambulance and, very importantly, a full complement of Staff, including midwives, for 24hr shift duty”, Ehanire said.
On the part of NPHCDA Executive Director, Faisal Shuaib, the SSTLC is conceived as a zonal coordination platform for paramount traditional leaders from the six states in the zone.
He said the intent is for our traditional fathers to meet quarterly to receive updates on the status of primary health care in their states from the government through NPHCDA; discuss their state’s best practices and challenges if any; share experiences on how best each state can improve the quality and uptake of immunisation services (polio, routine immunisation and COVID-19 vaccination), and other Primary Health Care (PHC) services.
Shuaib added that these meetings will be hosted by each state on a rotational basis.
He said the traditional leaders’ operations in support of PHC activities and programmes will be at each state level, under the auspices of the State Council of Chiefs with SSTLC providing oversight as a zonal coordination platform.
He said their humble expectation from the SSTLC is continuous and intensive support in the areas of role modelling, community advocacy, sensitisation, resource mobilisation, and monitoring of all primary health care interventions such as immunisation campaigns (polio, COVID-19, measles, yellow fever, etc.), routine immunisation, maternal, newborn care, and childhood nutrition.
On the part of Dr Josephine Obayagbona, Zonal Director, South-South National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the establishment of the committee marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards improved health outcomes.
She said the committee will serve as a platform for collaboration, information sharing, and the development of strategies tailored to the specific needs of our communities.
Obayagbona added that together, we will work to address the challenge faced in the delivery of primary health care services while leveraging on the rich cultural heritage and traditional systems that are ingrained in our society.