By Muhammad Amaan with agency report
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
Health officials, development partners, and stakeholders stressed that preventive strategies through health promotion must be a collective responsibility, when they convened in Abuja for the second quarter meeting of the National Health Promotion Technical Working Group (NHPTWG).
The meeting is expected to produce concrete strategies and renewed partnerships aimed at expanding health promotion efforts at the national and community levels.
In addition, it is expected to renew commitments to strengthen collaboration, expand health literacy, and embed preventive practices in communities across the country.
Declaring the meeting open, the Director of the Family Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, said the forum remains an essential platform for reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and charting new priorities in health promotion.
He described the gathering as crucial for aligning national efforts, sharing best practices, and strengthening collaboration to achieve Nigeria’s health goals.
“The technical working group plays a pivotal role in driving the national health promotion initiative. By collaborating and sharing insights, we can develop targeted, evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes across the nation,” Ukaire said.
He added that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess ongoing activities, foster stronger partnerships, and identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
Ukaire underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and development partners.
According to him, pooling resources and aligning strategies will help address complex health challenges more effectively. She expressed confidence that the NHPTWG will continue to deliver impactful strategies and innovative approaches to improve health outcomes nationwide.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of the Health Promotion Division at the Ministry, Mr John Uruakpa, explained that health promotion remains central to improving wellbeing through literacy, awareness, and preventive practices.
He described the meeting as “a convergence of ideas, expertise, and purpose,” focused on empowering Nigerians to take charge of their health.
“Health promotion is not just for the elite. It is about everyday practices in homes and communities, washing hands, cooking food properly, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring safe environments. These simple but critical steps do not necessarily require money,” Uruakpa said.
He added that Health Promotion Day, scheduled for later this year, aims to raise consciousness about preventive health and encourage lifestyle changes across the country.
Mr Uruakpa stressed that health promotion cannot be achieved by the government alone, calling for the active participation of the private sector, media, partners, and communities.
“Health promotion is with the people. It is inborn, but we must continue to create awareness and build knowledge so that everyone can contribute to protecting and improving health,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Mya Ngon, Team Lead, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Nigeria, commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for convening the forum.
Dr Ngon reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, mobilizing resources, and supporting sustainable health promotion programmes in Nigeria.
“Health promotion is not merely a strategy; it is a movement. It enables individuals, families, and communities to take control of their health, prevent disease, and foster wellbeing.
“This platform is uniquely positioned to drive evidence-based, community-led responses that will contribute to Universal Health Coverage and resilient health systems,” Ngon said.
