Nigeria is prioritises health education, prevention to alleviate disease burden
The Nigerian government has reiterated its dedication to health education and prevention initiatives designed to decrease the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, reduce mortality rates, and prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), led by Dr. David Ripin, the Executive Vice President for Infectious Diseases.
Dr Salako highlighted the alarming prevalence of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes in Nigeria, stressing that the government is adopting a proactive approach through preventive healthcare measures.
Nigeria Focuses on Health Education, Prevention to Reduce Disease Burden
He revealed that the Ministry’s 2025 budget would prioritise cancer prevention programmes at all levels.
Dr. Salako also noted that the government is intensifying efforts to reduce high maternal mortality rates through the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.
The initiative aims to improve maternal care, particularly in high-burden local governments, by introducing minimal technology and ultrasound services to encourage more women to seek antenatal care.
Commending the long-standing partnership between the Ministry and CHAI, Dr Salako acknowledged that their collaboration continues to yield positive results in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
CHAI’s Country Director, Dr Olufunke Fasawe, outlined key interventions, including a 50% reduction in the cost of some chemotherapies and support for over 20 treatment centres across the country.
She further disclosed that CHAI has integrated cervical cancer screening into routine healthcare services, enabling women aged 25 and above to access screening more easily.
