In an inspiring stride towards safeguarding public well-being, Nigeria has amped up its ability to combat, detect, and manage health threats, now standing at an impressive 54% readiness level.
This surge marks a significant upswing from the 39% recorded in 2017, showcasing Nigeria’s notable progress in the realm of public health security. This newly attained 54% capacity resonates loudly, symbolizing the nation’s enhanced prowess in safeguarding its citizens’ health.
These encouraging findings emerged from the conclusion of the five-day second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) for International Health Regulations Core Capacities, hosted in the vibrant city of Abuja.
The JEE, an endeavor supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), represents a collaborative, voluntary, cross-sectoral process that assesses a nation’s ability to promptly react to health risks – whether natural occurrences or deliberate actions.
A closer look at the 2023 assessment reveals that Nigeria has not dipped below the 50% mark in any of the vital categories: prevention, detection, response, as well as the International Health Regulations connected to hazards, Point of Entry, and border health.
Dr. Hendrick Ormel, the lead external evaluator and Senior Adviser at the WHO’s Global JEE Secretariat, commended Nigeria’s strides towards the 54% milestone. However, he emphasized the journey is far from over. “While significant progress has been made, it’s crucial that food safety is prioritized. Your dedication and professionalism are evident, but staffing shortages persist. By addressing this, the government isn’t only benefiting the nation but enhancing global health security,” he noted.
Delivering comprehensive recommendations, Ormel underscored the importance of crafting a five-year, risk-focused National Action Plan for Health Security. This plan should be grounded in the JEE report’s insights, including practical cost estimates for priorities. Furthermore, he urged for empowerment and active implementation of this plan, addressing gaps spotlighted by the JEE assessment and incorporating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies.
Ormel also called for cohesive multi-sectoral engagement at both national and subnational levels, uniting public and private sectors, along with civil society, under a unified disaster risk management strategy.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, acknowledged the achievement of crossing the benchmark, while emphasizing the need to direct attention towards identified areas for enhancement. “This JEE arrives at a pivotal juncture. With incoming ministers, we must utilize these recommendations for immediate and long-term strategies. Our government’s health agenda aligns with the identified gaps, spanning universal health care, fortified primary health care, digital health coverage, and health security,” he highlighted.
The remarkable journey traces back to Nigeria’s initial JEE in 2017, which yielded a readiness score of 39%. The subsequent 2018-2023 National Action Plan for Health Security was meticulously devised to address the gaps and suggestions pinpointed by the preceding evaluation.
Nigeria’s commitment to this endeavor stands out as the nation voluntarily undertakes a second round of JEE, utilizing the JEE 3.0 toolkit. This exemplifies the holistic and multi-sectoral approach indispensable for comprehensive national health security.
In a world where health challenges are increasingly interconnected, Nigeria’s progress shines as a beacon of hope. A nation’s dedication to strengthening its defenses is a testament to its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of its people.