Benjamin Omoike
Nigeria, Sept.27, 2016 – National Programme Manager, Partnership for Transforming Health Systems Phase II (PATHS2), Mike Egboh, has said the nation now has a more solid and strengthened health system in place, with all that the programme has been able to achieve.
Speaking at the recent ‘End-of-Programme Dissemination’ in Lagos, Egboh said PATHS2 was not winding down, clearly stating that since it was a collaborative partnership scheme involving the government-at all levels- their role was simply to facilitate and not to implement. He said health care personnel such as doctors and nurses, who have been trained, were on ground to continue the good work already established. He especially made mention of Lagos as being a foremost state which he was sure would pursue the core objectives of the programme to the letter.
“It’s all about transforming health systems and disease control. It’s about the people to make responsible decisions and community mobilization, in terms of traditional institutions and religious institutions mobilizing the people. They need to know when they’re sick and how to seek health care. We must realise that health is everybody’s business. Prevention is vital because it is cheap and cost effective,” said Egboh.
Corroborating all Egboh said, Dr. Diana Silimperi, Divisional Vice President, International Health Division, Abt. Associates was of the standpoint that it had been a journey filled with commitments, a journey with many winding roads, with some ends and sharp cliffs, but that it had always been a progressive and improving one, because it was a journey founded on partnership, commitment and dedication to improving the health system and saving lives here in Lagos and Nigeria.
“I think Nigeria’s health sector is making giant strides. Some of the legislation that have been passed both federally and at state level, is really critical to take the country forward, with an integrated health system that will reach more people with effective health care, steps that will prevent needless deaths of mothers and children, one which will put Nigeria on the pathway of universal health care and enable Nigeria achieve universal health goals.
“The public-private partnership in achieving this is very crucial and this is also being put in place. If you have care without quality, you’re not going to achieve much. PATHS2’s contribution really has increased awareness and Nigeria has committed to take PATHS2 to the next level,” she said.
Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health in Lgos State, who received an award for excellence on the night, said PATHS2 had been a wonderful partner to Lagos, especially with respect to maternal and child health. He said they have done wonderfully well.
He said as a government, his ministry was committed to playing its role in the health sector. He admonished the people of Lagos to play their role by partnering with government in ensuring that diseases and infections were curbed to the barest minimum. He advocated a healthy lifestyle, eating right, ante-natal checks, breastfeeding, complete immunisation and adequate rest for expectant, nursing mothers and their babies.
