President Bola Tinubu has urged medical experts across West Africa to strengthen disease prevention and emergency preparedness, warning that the region’s shortage of skilled health workers could undermine efforts to contain deadly outbreaks such as Ebola.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after receiving a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), which recognised his administration’s commitment to health sector reforms.

He challenged the college to use its forthcoming 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting to develop practical, sustainable solutions to medical brain drain and other challenges confronting healthcare delivery across the sub-region.

“With the outbreak of Ebola now, we are looking for preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections. So, I wish you the best. I will continue to do whatever I can for this honourable profession,” the President said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms aimed at making healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient, while commending the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for driving the process.

“We, as a government, are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging public health threats.

Presenting the fellowship, WACP President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the honour was reserved for leaders whose contributions had significantly improved healthcare delivery across West Africa.

“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in healthcare delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.

The college’s Secretary-General, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the fellowship had been conferred only eight times in the institution’s 50-year history. Former Gambian President Dawda Jawara was the first recipient, while former Nigerian military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received it in 1991.

Dankyau said the college recognised the Tinubu administration’s investments in health infrastructure, emergency care, primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

He disclosed that more than $2.2 billion had been invested in the health sector, while citing progress in immunisation, disease prevention and public health preparedness.

Dankyau also referred to recent assurances by the Federal Government that Nigeria was prepared to respond to the Ebola threat, saying the measures had helped reassure medical professionals across the sub-region.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.

The college announced that its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting would hold from October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.