By Hassan Zaggi
In order to the improve the health status of Nigerians, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been called upon to improve and sustain its collaboration with both the Federal and state governments in the country.
The Association of Nigeria Health (ANHEJ) made the call in a communique it issued at the end of its 6th annual conference which took place at Kini Hotel, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, recently.
The communique which was signed by ANHEJ President, Malam Hassan Zaggi and General Secretary, Mrs Nike Adebowale, applauded WHO for being instrumental in the growth and development of the health sector in Nigeria through rendering the required technical support for proper policy formulation and implementation.
The communique further called for a unique Universal Health Coverage (UHC) model that can address the peculiar health needs of Nigerians.
ANHEJ applauded the management of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) under the leadership of the current Director General, Prof. Mohammed Sambo, for enabling a cordial working relationship among members of staff of the establishment which has led to the massive progress achieved in recent time.
ANHEJ, therefore, insisted that: “it is important to sustain and strengthen same to realise the purpose for which the NHIA was established.”
“Health journalists agreed to work harmoniously with all stakeholders in the health sector in driving the full implementation of the adolescent health policies strategies which is geared towards provision of sexual and reproductive health services to young people in Nigeria;
“The Health Journalists agreed to work with stakeholders, especially in the health sector, towards driving the implementation of various health sector policies and strategies in Nigeria for healthy and productive citizenry,” the communique stated.
On the proposed payment of health insurance premium by Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) for 50 members of the ANHEJ, the communique said, “the conference resolved that the arrangement be subjected to further deliberations to forestall any conflicts or impediments in maintaining ANHEJ’s core mandate of objectivity while carrying out their constitutionally guaranteed role of being the eyes and ears of the masses;
“ANHEJ vow to improve its sensitization and awareness creation on the importance of health insurance so that political leaders, well-to-do individuals, states and local governments can enroll their citizens in health insurance.
“ANHEJ also committed to monitor closely the implementation of the various health insurance packages and exposed their weaknesses so that the NHIA and other relevant agencies of government can make the needed amendments for the good of all Nigerians.
“ANHEJ also agreed to convene a mid-year review meeting to assess the performance of the health insurance in Nigeria to see if there is any improvement following the aggressive sensitization by its members. “Conference also appealed to media entrepreneurs and practitioners to update their equipment and skills sets to be in line with current global trends in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. This will help the sector play its constitutional role of informing the public, holding leadership accountable and setting the agenda for the desired behavioural change in order to birth a healthy society/improved healthcare system.”
