Social media falsehood complicating our healthcare challenges, says FG

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Federal Government has lamented the devastating effect of social media falsehood, stressing that it is complicating healthcare delivery services in Nigeria.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, raised these concerns at the first quarterly meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery in Abuja on Tuesday.

Being the closest to the communities, the Minister challenged the traditional rulers and religious leaders to leverage the massive respect and loyalty they command in the communities to debunk the myths and misconceptions in primary healthcare (PHC) services, particularly immunisation.

The Minister remembered the significant roles played by the traditional and religious leaders at the peak of the wild polio virus, suggesting that similar energy and effort be deployed to the fight against falsehoods about some health services, particularly on social media.

He said: “Your grassroots mobilisation and leadership have been instrumental in advancing health security and promoting PHC improvements. While challenges remain, the modest progress we have achieved over the last few years, whether in improving routine immunisation coverage or reducing the burden of infectious diseases, is testament to our collective efforts.

“There is more to be done, but we must recognise the tangible progress we have made from when you started this initiative to where we are today. Your unwavering commitment to strengthening PHC in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, is truly commendable.

“This NTLC remains one of the longest-lasting volunteer-driven initiatives anywhere in the world, having operated consistently for 16 years without interruption. I believe even organisations such as Rotary International, with its Polio Eradication Initiative since 1988, may find it challenging to match such consistency.

“Perhaps we should even submit this effort for recognition in the Guinness Book of Records to determine if any other purely voluntary initiative of leaders, meeting every quarter with such commitment, has been sustained for 16 uninterrupted years.”

The Minister further stressed the need to use the opportunity to reflect on the progress and set priorities for the next phase of PHC services. “This is crucial given the recent detection of Circulating Variant Polio Virus Type 2 (cVPV2), which remains a major challenge.

“Just last week, we visited four states, alongside the Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB), His Highness, the Chairman of the NTLC, and other key partners. During the visits, we identified several critical issues that required urgent attention.

“There were concerns with finger-marking compliance; gaps in team selection, training, and supervision; inconsistencies in accountability mechanisms; and a need for improved frontline engagement. These are not new challenges; we have successfully addressed similar issues in the past.

“I recall that in 2009, despite resource constraints, Nigeria vaccinated more children than in previous years, proving that with strong leadership, commitment, and community engagement, we can overcome obstacles. We have done it before, and I believe we can do it again. Together, we have tackled challenges, and together, we will continue to build a stronger, healthier Nigeria,” he said.