FG reaffirms its commitment towards strengthening the Health System

The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government towards strengthening Health System in Nigeria, that would prevent, prepare, detect, respond and control the outbreak.

The Hon. Minister, who was represented by the Honourable Minister of State in the Ministry, Dr. (Sen). Adeleke Mamora, made this statement during flag off of  the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control  and  Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training (NCDC/NFELTP), 4^TH Annual scientific conference with the Theme: “’Applied Epidemiology Providing Evidence for Public Health Action” recently held in Abuja.

Dr. Ehanire stressed that “a critical part of this resilient health system is the human resource who happens to be the Field epidemiologist, Laboratory scientists, Managing Physicians and Nurses, Programme managers and health workers’’.

The Minister informed that “’I am proud of our field epidemiology programme, now, in its 11^th year, with over 300 graduates. The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry Agriculture and Rural Development, has shown great leadership and commitment towards a sustainable training programme, led by the Country”.

He commended the Director General for NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and other developmental partners for their support towards the conference, especially the US Centre for Disease Control.

He applauded the commitment of that President Muhammadu Buhari led Government towards strengthening the health Security and Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu appreciated the African Centres for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation country office and the Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation for playing a major role in the conference.

The DG, made insightful presentations on various aspects of work done by the staff of NCDC, Residents and Graduates of NFELTP and other colleagues groomed and taught by the excellent faculty at the University of Ibadan and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

He further said that NCDC/NFELTP conference presented an opportunity to networking, learning about various organisations at their exhibition stands, and engaged in critical thinking and discussions that will drive the future of applied epidemiology in Nigeria.

Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head Media & Public Relations
September 11, 2019.