Traditional rulers from the 19 northern states have met in Abuja to review efforts made to strengthen primary healthcare services in the region.

The fourth quarter 2023 review meeting was led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said that the meeting was part of efforts towards ensuring a people-centered approach in health care delivery.

The minister said that the aim was also to bring together various sectors of society, including government, traditional institutions and religious organisations to ensure an efficient, equitable and high quality health system.

Mr Pate emphasised the importance of community ownership, engagement and support in achieving ambitious targets to reach marginalised communities.

“Strengthening the primary healthcare system, training frontline health workers, improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, scaling up financing, and utilising innovation for immunisation services were identified as key strategies.

“The involvement of traditional and religious leaders in shaping perceptions, dispelling myths and mobilising communities was recognised as invaluable,” he said.

The minister highlighted the recent signing of the Health Sector Renewal Compact with state governors and development partners, saying that the target was to have improved health outcomes and optimise Nigeria’s demographic dividend.

According to him, in achieving the health sector compact, there should be solid partnership with the traditional leaders to ensure the contextual domestication of the health sector development plan.

“Moving forward, the approach of engaging traditional and religious leaders will be expanded to other parts of the country, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a people-centered health system.

“This approach will complement the role of organised civil society in achieving healthcare goals,” Mr Pate added.

The Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Authority, Dr Muyi Aina, said that traditional rulers remained the beacon of hope for accessible healthcare in the country.

He appreciated their importance in achieving the health targets as the country moves to transform primary healthcare services.

Mr Aina also highlighted the significance of the HPV vaccine, efforts made to address initial resistance, its safety and efficacy in preventing cervical cancer.

He urged the traditional rulers to contribute to expanding fully functional primary health centres in their states, to save lives and enhance maternal and child health.

In his address, the Sultan underscored the significance of collaborative efforts to attain healthcare targets and enhance health outcomes across the nation.

He drew attention to the recent introduction of the health sector renewal investment initiative by President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that it would bring about positive transformations to the country’s health system.

Also, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, noted the growing responsibilities of traditional leaders and advocated capacity building to clearly map out strategies to achieve set goals.

On the compact, he said, it has empowered traditional leaders to actively engage with governors, address past challenges and improve collaboration to enhance the health of the people. 

(NAN)