Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO’s Acting Regional Director for Africa, visited Nigeria, reinforcing the organization’s support for health reforms and polio eradication. He emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance, acknowledged ongoing health challenges, and stressed the need for improved collaboration and surveillance efforts. The visit reflects WHO’s commitment to aid Nigeria in navigating public health challenges and enhancing healthcare access.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Acting Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), has reiterated the organization’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, addressing disease outbreaks, and eradicating polio. This visit to Nigeria marks his first since taking office, emphasizing Nigeria’s significant role within WHO’s African operations. Ihekweazu was appointed following the passing of Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile, who had recently been elected as the next regional director.
Prior to his appointment at WHO, Ihekweazu served as Nigeria’s inaugural Director-General of the Centre for Disease Control, playing a crucial role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that Nigeria is the largest WHO office on the continent, which prompted his swift visit to better understand the collaboration with the Nigerian government on health matters. He praised Nigeria’s proactive health reforms and recognized the Minister of Health’s leadership in these initiatives.
Addressing the resurgence of variant type 2 poliovirus in Nigeria, Ihekweazu called for increased vigilance and coordinated efforts to tackle this public health concern. He acknowledged the progress made in eliminating wild poliovirus while expressing concern over the existing circulation of variant type 2 polio in certain states. He assured collaboration with health authorities to enhance vaccination campaigns and improve surveillance strategies.
Ihekweazu also highlighted broader health system challenges across Africa, including workforce shortages and inadequate infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for effective reforms to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery. He noted the importance of integrating trained healthcare professionals into public health sectors and the support WHO provides to develop strategies for workforce retention.
Commending Nigeria’s efforts in health financing reforms and primary healthcare revitalization under the SWAP initiative, he asserted that WHO stands ready to support these reforms to create a more resilient health system. The acting director also stressed the necessity for improved surveillance and response systems to manage disease outbreaks.
He mentioned ongoing WHO support for the Democratic Republic of Congo in response to an emerging outbreak. Citing the recent measles outbreak in Texas, he reinforced the interconnected nature of global health and the necessity for robust immunization programs. Ihekweazu called for African governments to take ownership of healthcare financing amid declining global donor support, emphasizing the need for strong domestic funding mechanisms.
Ihekweazu’s visit reflects WHO’s commitment to its partnership with Nigeria as the country faces public health challenges, improves healthcare access, and strengthens disease preparedness strategies. WHO aims to enhance Nigeria’s efforts in both short-term and long-term health initiatives, especially regarding polio eradication, health system reforms, and effective surveillance.
In summary, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu’s visit to Nigeria underscores WHO’s commitment to health reform and polio eradication in the country. His emphasis on the collaboration between WHO and Nigerian health authorities highlights the need for coordinated efforts to address ongoing and emerging health challenges. As Nigeria navigates these reforms, the support from WHO is crucial in enhancing the resilience of its healthcare system.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
