The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accessible health policies and services that are geared towards achieving improved health outcomes in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, stated this at 8th annual conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) themed:“Sector Wide Approach Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes: The Role of the Media”, in Abuja, adding that an informed and enlightened populace is fundamental to achieving improved health outcomes.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by Dr. Angis Ikpe, of the policy and planning department of the Ministry, explained that in order to achieve improved health outcomes in the country, the Ministry have we have embraced the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) strategy to unify the efforts of the
government, partners, and stakeholders, maximizing impact, enhancing
accountability, and eliminating redundancies.

According to Kachollom, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRIl) exemplifies the government unwavering commitment to revitalizing the health sector

“Through targeted investments, we aim to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) systems to deliver efficient maternal and child health services, tackle Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDS), address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and confront infectious diseases.

“These efforts also include a robust, ongoing response to HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In the field of Maternal and Child Health, we remain unwavering in our commitment
to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes.

“The strengthening of Primary Healthcare (PHC) systems, bolstered by the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), has significantly increased access to vital services in underserved communities. Notably, the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation
Initiative (MAMII) exemplifies these efforts by offering free cesarean sections to eligible women, thereby improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.”

The Permanent Secretary is recognising the invaluable contributions of health journalists in shaping public perception and holding stakeholders accountable, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working hand-in- hand with the media in promoting health awareness, countering misinformation, and
ensuring transparency and accountability within the health sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Patrick Dakum, in his good will message commended ANHEJ’s consistency in sustaining the forum for the press and stakeholders in the health sector together, deliberate on pertinent issues, and forge a way forward for better health in Nigeria.

Dakum noted that the theme of the conference is apt, as the importance of collaboration in strengthening health systems can not be overemphasized.

He further said the IHVN remains committed to aligning its activities with the Government of Nigeria’s health sector plans.

Recognising other roles of the media, such as holding the government accountable to its people and encouraging better domestic funding for health programs and research, commended ANHEJ for the initiative in ensuring that the health needs of all Nigerians are met.

The President of ANHEJ, Mr Joseph Kadiri, earlier in welcome address, said theme of the conference is amined at addressing the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector, such as inadequate funding, inefficient resource allocation, and poor service delivery.

Kadiri explained that the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) introduced such challenges by promoting a coordinated and harmonized approach to health sector development.

He however said, the SWAp’s effectiveness relies heavily on the active engagement of various stakeholders, including the media.

“As journalists, we play a vital role in promoting health awareness, education, and advocacy. Through our reporting, we can hold stakeholders accountable for their actions and policies, provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, promote evidence-based health information and best practices, and advocate for policy changes and increased funding for health programs.”

He noted that despite the media’s potential to enhance SWAp effectiveness, several challenges persist, including limited access to health information and data, inadequate training and capacity building for health journalists, and insufficient funding for health reporting and programming.

The President further reiterates ANHEJ’s interest in supporting the federal government and development partners in the amplification of their activities through its health promotion reportage and programmes.

“To realize the media’s potential in enhancing SWAp effectiveness, it is essential to address these challenges. This conference will delve into critical sub-themes, including President Bola Tinubu’s Health Agenda, health security, maternal and child health services, vaccine-preventable diseases, and local drug production.

“In all of these areas of discussions, ANHeJ wants a verifiable evdence of reducten in Nigeria’s health indices, so we can amplify them before the international Community,” said Kadiri.