By Doris Obinna
The Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has been lauded by key professional bodies in Nigeria’s health sector following his recent recognition as one of the world’s 100 most influential figures in global healthcare by Influential Times Magazine.
In a letter signed by the President, Tanko Ayuba, the Society described Prof. Pate’s recognition as “strategic and well-deserved,” citing his notable achievements in healthcare leadership, policy reforms, and primary healthcare transformation both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
The PSN praised Prof. Pate’s track record, especially his past role as Executive Secretary of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), as well as his unwavering commitment to health system reforms, equity in healthcare delivery, and fostering collaboration among government, development partners, and the private sector.
“Your initiatives to revitalise frontline health facilities and strengthen the community health workforce have significantly advanced maternal, newborn, and child health services,” the PSN stated.
The letter also commended the Minister’s efforts to combat malaria through the introduction of vaccines, noting that malaria accounts for about 65% of clinical visitations in Nigeria.
The Society urged the Minister to continue upholding the rule of law in managing relationships within the health sector workforce and to ensure equitable benefit packages across all professional cadres.
Acknowledging the recent tensions among health professionals, the PSN called on Prof. Pate to lead with integrity, empathy, and bold decision-making, asserting that his leadership qualities and moral compass position him as a beacon in a time of health sector uncertainty.
“As a global health leader, you must inspire, build trust, and develop sustainable solutions that promote collaborative healthcare practice,” Ayuba said.
The PSN pledged its continued support to the federal government in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, emphasising its readiness to collaborate on health sector development initiatives.
In the same vein, the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association (AHPA) have extended heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, following his recognition as one of the 100 most influential global health leaders by Influential Times Magazine.
In a letter signed by Chairman Kabiru Aoto Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU/AHPA praised Prof. Pate’s outstanding contributions to health policy reform and the development of critical healthcare systems in Nigeria.
The union highlighted his leadership in areas such as primary healthcare, social health insurance, and the promotion of local manufacturing in the health commodity value chain, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and rapid diagnostic kits.
“Your noteworthy nomination is based on your belief system in health reforms and policy advancements,” the letter read.
“We are driven by a deep conviction that you can complement recent gains in local manufacturing with equitable distribution of our commonwealth in the Health Sector.”
The union urged Prof. Pate to leverage his global recognition by recommitting to stabilising and revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially in the wake of recent tensions within the sector.
They emphasised the importance of empathy, fairness, and justice in leadership, particularly in ensuring all professional groups in the sector are treated equitably.