Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, has solicited the support of traditional and religious leaders in shaping a people-centred approach to healthcare in the country.
Speaking at the fourth quarter 2023 meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery (NTLC) in Abuja, the minister described collaboration among the government, traditional institutions and religious organisations as crucial for improved health outcomes and national unity.
Pate noted that the meeting was a platform to strategise for the achievement of an efficient, equitable and high-quality health system, adding that with the influence of traditional and religious leaders in healthcare service delivery, the government could achieve its ambitious health targets.
He stated that the recent Health Sector Renewal Compact with state governors placed health as a priority in national development and stressed the need for community ownership strengthening the primary healthcare system, training frontline health workers and utilising innovation for immunisation services.
“The involvement of traditional and religious leaders in shaping perceptions, dispelling myths, and mobilising communities is recognised as invaluable,” he said.
The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, stressed the need to strengthen Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for effective detection, response and leadership during outbreaks, including local health issues and humanitarian concerns.
Aina expressed commitment to collaboration with predecessors and strengthening the partnership between NPHCDA and NTLC.
Stressing the importance of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, he told the traditional leaders that the vaccine is safe and efficient in preventing cervical cancer and commended the traditional leaders for their involvement in championing the HPV vaccination.
He urged NTLC to actively contribute to expanding fully functional PHCs, equipped to save lives and enhance maternal and child health.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said collaboration is needed to attain healthcare targets and enhance health outcomes in the country.
Chairman of NTLC, HRH Sama’ila Mera, advocated capacity building within the traditional institution and clearer mapping of capacities for effective utilisation.
