The federal government has activated the AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (ATM) Technical Working Group (TWG), in a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against these life-threatening diseases.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, announced the activation on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Pate described it as a renewed commitment to integrating and coordinating health programmes and resources to combat AIDS, TB, and malaria.

“The TWG will be co-chaired by Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and Dr Ntadom Godwin, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,” he stated.

He added that the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) coordination office would serve as the secretariat of the TWG, ensuring effective collaboration and oversight.

According to the minister, the formation of the TWG brings together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s health sector.

“Members include representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCP),” he said.

Mr Pate explained that the TWG has been tasked with conducting an immediate analysis of ongoing programmes, and expenditure patterns, and identifying potential gaps in current interventions.

“Furthermore, it will develop a medium to long-term framework aimed at fostering a unified approach, or ‘One-Conversation,’ among key actors in the ATM space, including development partners and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),” he added.

The minister underscored the importance of this integrated approach in optimizing resources and improving health outcomes.

“The activation of the ATM Technical Working Group is a critical step in ensuring that our efforts to combat AIDS, TB, and malaria are not only efficient but also sustainable.”

He noted that by fostering collaboration across agencies and with our partners, the government will create a more resilient health system that responds effectively to the needs of Nigerians.

In her remarks, the co-chairman of the TWG, Temitope Ilori, highlighted the need for synergy in addressing public health challenges, noting that the integration of efforts would help reduce duplication and streamline interventions.

Also speaking, the director public health, Ntadom Godwin, said the coordinated effort would also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to meet global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The TWG will begin its work with a comprehensive review of current programme areas and funding mechanisms, identifying opportunities for resource optimization and addressing existing gaps.

The group will also engage with international partners and CSOs to align efforts and ensure that interventions are people-centred and impactful.

With this initiative, Nigeria takes a bold step toward enhancing the health sector’s responsiveness to three of the most pressing public health issues, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.

(NAN)