From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing health education and prevention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases, lowering mortality rates, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known when he received a delegation from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), led by its Executive Vice President for Infectious Diseases, Dr. David Ripin, at his office in Abuja.
Addressing the rising prevalence of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, Dr Salako emphasized the government’s shift toward a proactive approach centred on health education and prevention. He noted that the 2025 budget for the ministry would prioritize cancer prevention at all levels.
“This year, our budget places significant emphasis on cancer prevention. A substantial portion of the funding will focus on both primary and secondary prevention, including screening and population-based prevention measures,” he stated.D Dr Salako also highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce high mortality rates, revealing the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative. This program, he explained, will target high-burden local government areas to improve maternal care. Additionally, the introduction of minimal technology, including ultrasound services, is expected to encourage more women to seek antenatal care.
Expressing appreciation for CHAI’s partnership with the ministry, Dr. Salako noted that such collaborations would enhance healthcare outcomes and positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
In her remarks, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe, Country Director of CHAI, outlined the organization’s contributions to improving healthcare access in Nigeria.
She noted that CHAIhads worked closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to achieve a 50% reduction in the cost of some chemotherapy treatments while also supporting over 20 cancer treatment centres across the country. This initiative ensures that patients can access chemotherapy at more affordable rates.
On cervical cancer eliminationDrr. Fasawe explained that CHAI has integrated cervical screening into routine healthcare services, moving beyond outreach programs and charitable events. Now, women aged 25 and above can undergo routine cervical cancer screenings as part of standard medical care.
Furthermore, she revealed that over 57,000 women have received HPV screenings. CHAI successfully negotiated a significant reduction in the price of HPV test kits, lowering the cost from $20 to 7 and making screening more accessible to a larger population.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both the government and CHAI to advancing healthcare accessibility, disease prevention, and overall public health improvement in Nigeria.