The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the fourth Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) aimed at improving healthcare services in Nigeria.
WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, who disclosed this at a Policy Dialogue and Town Hall meeting held in Abuja to commemorate World Health Day, explained that the strategic priorities of the fourth CCS include advancing Primary Healthcare (PHC) approach and essential health systems capacities for equity and gender equality, improving equity and quality in health system coverage and financial protection, addressing root causes of ill health, building institutional capacities for research and local production of health products, and preparing for emerging health risks and emergencies.
Mulombo said that the CCS was developed collaboratively under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health and in collaboration with all partners, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to support the implementation of the Nigeria Health Renewal Investment Programme.
He reiterated WHO’s commitment to working with the government and NGOs to promote, provide, and protect the health of all Nigerians, thereby contributing to greater economic development. The CCS serves as a medium-term strategic framework for WHO technical cooperation with Nigeria, covering the period from 2023 to 2027.
This initiative underscores WHO’s dedication to supporting Nigeria in achieving Universal Health Coverage and addressing emerging health challenges effectively.
MEANWHILE, speaking during a walk to commemorate World Health Day, organised by WHO Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Molumbo said depriving individuals of healthcare should be treated as a human rights violation.
He noted that the WHO was established 76 years ago by Member States based on the principle of human rights and because health is a fundamental human right and it shouldn’t be a privilege.
He said: “Today is an opportunity to remember that any health deprivation should be treated as a human rights violation. A child missing vaccination is a human rights violation. A mother dying while giving birth is not acceptable and should be treated as a human rights violation.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, stated that the ministry is working closely with WHO to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.
Kachollom said that the ministry aims towards raising awareness about citizens’ rights to healthcare, and quality treatment, as this underscores the commitment to monitor health through a human rights lens.
She observed that with the present administration’s renewed hope agenda, the health sector is being reinvigorated to ensure Universal Health Coverage for all, starting from the Primary Health Care at the community to the tertiary level.
