The coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Aminu Magashi extended his heartfelt congratulations to special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim-Anas for her remarkable contributions to the healthcare field and her valuable work within the nation’s health sector.
He expressed his sentiments at a recent event held in Abuja to honour Ibrahim-Anas, organised by the Southern Borno Stakeholders Forum.
Magashi commended Ibrahim-Anas for her unwavering dedication and commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of Nigerians. He emphasised the importance of establishing a comprehensive health security agenda in the country.
Highlighting the critical need for preparedness and a robust response to health emergencies, including pandemics and outbreaks, Magashi stressed the significance of investing in healthcare infrastructure, research and training. He called for enhanced collaboration among the government, healthcare professionals, and various stakeholders to fortify Nigeria’s health security system.
Magashi emphasised the importance of prioritising the development and implementation of policies and strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. This includes enhancing disease surveillance and ultimately improving the overall health outcomes for citizens.
The coordinator reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ibrahim- Anas and other healthcare professionals in their endeavours to create a more secure and resilient healthcare system in Nigeria. He urged the government to provide additional resources to address the challenges and gaps within the country’s health sector.
Magashi highlighted that the Office of the Health Adviser to President Bola Tinubu is a novel and pioneering initiative, making it essential for stakeholders to rally behind it and ensure its success. He described this as a paradigm shift in the country’s healthcare landscape, emphasising the need to bolster the basic healthcare provision fund and enhance the healthcare agenda.
Additionally, Magashi called for deeper coordination between the adviser’s office and other critical entities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the biosafety agency. This coordination, he asserted, is vital for advancing the health security agenda in Nigeria.
He urged the current administration to fully fund and support the implementation of the National Health Security Action Plan. He also encouraged civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media to intensify their advocacy efforts and promote accountability to ensure transparency within the health sector.
