As the World Health Organisation celebrates 75 years of coming into existence, the Kaduna State Government has commended its input in the country’s health sector.
Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing meant to shed light on activities lined up to mark WHO’s anniversary, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni, said the global health body’s commitment to “Health for All’ was based on its founding constitution of 1948.
She noted that the constitution enshrined the belief that all humans are equal and that promoting wellbeing at all ages was essential.
The commissioner revealed that the programme to be held in the state to celebrate WHO’s feat was tagged, “Celebrating Achievements in Health Care Delivery and Partnership for a Healthier Future in Kaduna State.”
She said the 75th anniversary was an opportunity to look back at public health successes that improved quality of life during the past decades.
She said “It is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and the future. The goal to achieve health for all remained important today, as it was 75 years ago.
“For the WHO, this remains a pathway to achieving SDG 3, reinforced by 16 other SDGs to be attained by 2030.
“Nigeria is a Member State of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation Charter, and the WHO has been at the forefront of championing public health transformative agenda for achieving Universal Health Coverage for all in Nigeria.’’
Dr. Mohammed-Baloni listed some of WHO’s notable strides in keeping the people safe and serving the vulnerable population.
“On April 7, 1948, 55 member countries came together and founded the WHO with the mandate to promote health, keep the world safe and to serve the vulnerable so that everyone everywhere can attain the highest level of health and wellbeing.
“Nigeria was certified Guinea worm free by WHO in December 2013. Nigeria and the WHO AFRO region were certified wild polio-free in August 2020.
“In addition, the 33rd World Health Assembly adopted a resolution accepting the report of the global commission for certification of smallpox eradication, with Nigeria being a key part of the strategy,” she said
The commissioner said in recent times, WHO and its partners supported Nigeria in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure that the country does not become poor while seeking medical services.
She further noted that the WHO had also been supporting government across all levels to build the capacity of health workers to improve health resources and services in the country.
“In Kaduna State, we have benefitted from the achievements of WHO and partners through improved routine immunisation and accelerated COVID-19 vaccination.
“We have successfully reduced the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the state,” she added.
Dr. Mohammed-Baloni also said that the WHO had been instrumental in providing technical support for disease surveillance and outbreak response activities.
“WHO supported the state in strengthening the health systems to better serve the needs of our people,” she added.
The commissioner expressed appreciation to WHO for the numerous contributions it made to the health sector and the wellbeing of Nigerians at large.
She said, “I want to congratulate the WHO on this 75th anniversary of active service to humanity and for supporting the entire health sector in Nigeria technically and financially.
“I look forward to our continued partnership in building a healthier and more prosperous Kaduna State.”
The Kano State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Sunday Audu, said the 75th anniversary was meant to be an opportunity to look back at the transformation in healthcare over the years.
The coordinator, who was represented by Dr. Ummey Gregory, a consultant with the WHO, said it was also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow.
“The WHO looks forward to building a stronger global health body that delivers results and is enabled and empowered to play its leading role in global health.
“Let me assure you that the WHO will continue to support Nigeria to promote health, provide health, protect the health, power health and perform for health.”
(NAN)
