By Haruna Gimba
The Special Adviser on Health to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr Salma Anas Ibrahim has paid a condolence visit to Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) over the demise of his father.
She was received on Friday at the AHBN Building at Wuye District, Abuja by Dr Magashi.
She prayed for repose of the deceased soul who died recently in Kano, and called on Magashi to take solace that his late father has lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
However, Dr Magashi took the advantage of the visit to advised Dr Salma Anas to use her good office to strengthen partnership with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), in promoting good governance, accountability, transparency and stewardship.
He also urged her to offer good advice to President Tinubu, to deepen national coordination on health security agenda including working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and to advice on more efficient allocation and utilisation of Vulnerable Groups Fund housed at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
In her response, DR Salma Anas welcomed the suggestion and ideas, and added that she looks forward for collaboration with the AHBN and other stakeholders in the health sector.
President Bola Tinubu had named Dr Salma Anas, director of Family Health Services at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) as Special Adviser on Health last month.
A former Commissioner for Health in Borno State, Dr Salma Anas’ portfolio is to advise the President on health matters.
Mr Tinubu’s choice has been hailed by many stakeholders who described the action as a step in the right direction.
Before her appointment as commissioner for health in Borno, she worked at various levels and locations in Nigeria, outside the country and in several United Nations agencies like the United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
She has over 25 years of experience in Health Sector Development.
She has a wealth of experience in health sector policy formulation, strategic development, resource mobilisation, and implementation of various health programmes at international, regional, and national levels.
