The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has strengthened Nigeria’s drive toward climate-smart healthcare through a high-level engagement with the Nigeria Healthcare Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) Coordination Office and UNITAID in Abuja, aimed at deepening collaboration and aligning national priorities.
The Honourable Minister, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deploying science, technology, and innovation to address climate-related health challenges, particularly in primary healthcare systems across rural communities.
He emphasized the Ministry’s strategic focus on leveraging innovation to enhance research capacity, empower local innovators, support economic diversification, and improve sustainable energy supply in healthcare facilities nationwide.
Discussions centered on key areas of partnership including digital transformation, research and development, capacity building, and commercialization of innovation, alongside strengthening inter-agency collaboration for effective delivery of impactful health and climate initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of SWAP Coordination Office, the Climate Health Lead, Baraka Muazu highlighted its role in coordinating health sector activities under a unified national framework to ensure efficient resource alignment, reduce duplication, and promote results-driven healthcare delivery, while UNITAID’s Director of Results and Climate, Vincent Bretin, explained that the organization’s focus is to advance innovations to combat diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
The meeting underscored Nigeria’s commitment to its National Climate Change Policy (2021–2030), with emphasis on building climate-resilient health systems, promoting climate-smart technologies, and exploring Green Climate Fund opportunities, as FMIST reaffirmed its role in driving innovation, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships to position Nigeria as a regional leader in climate-health solutions.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr
Head, Press & Public Relations
