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As global trends move towards a more proactive approach to disease prevention, policymakers, health experts and stakeholders have met at Babcock University (BU), Ilisan in Ogun State, to discuss the way forward on the future of Public Health in sub-Sahara Africa.
At the conference, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, called for concerted efforts to reduce the health burden through ensuring equitable access to health for all.
While delivering his keynote address: “Bridging Service Delivery Disruption in Public Health: A Critical Imperative for Our Future,” Dr. Salako stated that Public Health service disruptions were not mere statistics but had profound consequences for families and communities.
“While we refuse to be defined by these challenges, we must confront the issues at hand and commit to proactive solutions,” he noted.
He said the conference symbolised the collective determination to “learn from past lessons, innovate in adversity, and construct a public health system prepared for future crises.”
More importantly, the paper went beyond identifying the challenges leading to service disruptions, to listing innovative strategies to mitigate infant mortality and life expectancy among others.
Aside labour strikes in the health sector, he noted that endemic and pandemic outbreaks put immense pressure on healthcare systems, afflicting healthcare workers, the government, and citizens, and disrupting societal functionality.
Dr. Salako pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example of the vulnerabilities within healthcare systems.
According to him, the infection of healthcare workers, inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), disruptions in the supply chain of essential medications, and restrictions on movement placed further strain upon the system leading to the forced shut down of some Primary Healthcare Centres.
“The Covid-19 pandemic despite its devastating impact, also catalized innovation and was a stark reminder of the need to build a more resilient and responsive public health system.”
Among these innovative strategies, he listed the creation of mobile diagnostic units at community levels, specialised centers for disease control as well as dispensing and home delivery of medications to patients with chronic conditions.
Dr. Salako also highlighted the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which he said has a long-term sustainability approach to prevent or mitigate future disruptions.
“The future of Nigeria’s public health is secure, but it requires a united effort. I call on all to join hands as we journey to save lives reduce physical and financial pain and promote health for all Nigerians,” he said.
The Babcock President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo thanked the Minister for his support and called on the participants to make adequate use of the knowledge and lessons learned from the conference.