Acting WHO Regional Director Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu visited Nigeria, underscoring WHO’s commitment to improving the country’s healthcare system and eradicating polio. He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance, acknowledged health reforms, and emphasized the need for robust surveillance and response mechanisms amid recent health challenges. Ihekweazu pledged continued support from WHO for health initiatives and the integration of trained professionals into the public sector.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the acting regional director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO), recently visited Nigeria, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to enhancing the nation’s healthcare system and eradicating polio. His visit underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in WHO’s mission across the continent. Ihekweazu succeeded Dr. Matshidiso Moeti and began his term following the untimely passing of Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile.
Ihekweazu, a Nigerian by origin and assistant director-general of health emergency intelligence at WHO, previously directed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, where he played a vital role in managing the COVID-19 response. Emphasizing the importance of his visit, he highlighted Nigeria’s status as the largest country office in Africa with an extensive health program, and the need to align with federal health priorities.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s proactive stance on health reforms, commending the leadership of the Minister of Health in this regard. Addressing the resurgence of variant type 2 poliovirus, he stressed the necessity of coordinated responses and emphasized maintaining vigilance, citing past successes in eliminating wild poliovirus. Ihekweazu assured that ongoing collaboration with health authorities aims to bolster vaccination campaigns and monitoring strategies to curb transmission.
In discussing broader health challenges in Africa, Ihekweazu mentioned issues like workforce shortages and poor infrastructure. He called for urgent reforms to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery, noting that while many African nations train healthcare professionals, integrating them into the public sector remains a significant hurdle. WHO is committed to assisting governments in developing strategies that retain essential workforce talents.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strides in health financing, regulatory reforms, and primary healthcare development, Ihekweazu reaffirmed WHO’s support for these initiatives aimed at creating resilient health systems. He addressed the necessity for stronger disease surveillance and response mechanisms in light of recent outbreaks in Africa and beyond, assuring effective WHO support in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In conclusion, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu’s visit to Nigeria marks a significant reaffirmation of WHO’s support for health system reforms, polio eradication efforts, and disease surveillance initiatives. His insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria highlight the necessity for coordinated action and strong healthcare governance. The collaborative approach between Nigeria and WHO aims to enhance health outcomes and address long-term public health challenges effectively.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
