In a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s response to AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, the Federal Government has activated the AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) Technical Working Group (TWG).
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate announced the activation on Friday in Abuja, describing it as a strategic move to improve health programme coordination and resource integration in the fight against these life-threatening diseases.
“The TWG will be co-chaired by the director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, and director of public health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ntadom Godwin,” Pate stated.
He added that the sector-wide approach (SWAp) coordination office will serve as the secretariat of the TWG, ensuring effective collaboration and oversight.
According to the minister, the TWG brings together key health sector stakeholders, including representatives from:
- The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
- The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)
- The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCP)
The TWG has been tasked with conducting an immediate analysis of ongoing programmes and expenditure patterns, while also identifying gaps in current interventions.
“Furthermore, the group will develop a medium to long-term framework aimed at fostering a unified approach, or ‘One-Conversation,’ among key actors in the ATM space, including development partners and civil society organisations (CSOs),” Pate added.
The minister stressed that this integrated approach will optimize resources and improve health outcomes.
“The activation of the ATM Technical Working Group is a critical step in ensuring that our efforts to combat AIDS, TB, and malaria are not only efficient but also sustainable. By fostering collaboration across agencies and with our partners, we can create a more resilient health system that responds effectively to the needs of Nigerians,” Pate underscored.
Ilori highlighted the importance of synergy in addressing these public health challenges, noting that integrated efforts will help reduce duplication and streamline interventions.
Godwin added that this coordinated approach will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to meet global health targets, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reports indicate that the TWG will begin its work by conducting a comprehensive review of existing programmes and funding mechanisms. This will include:
- Identifying opportunities for resource optimisation.
- Addressing existing gaps in service delivery.
- Engaging international partners and CSOs to ensure that interventions are people-centred and impactful.
By aligning national and international efforts, the TWG aims to maximise efficiency, enhance service delivery and ensure that health programmes reach those most in need.
With this initiative, Nigeria takes a bold step toward enhancing its health sector’s responsiveness to three of its most pressing public health challenges. The activation of the ATM Technical Working Group reaffirms the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.
As the TWG begins its work, stakeholders remain optimistic that this coordinated approach will lead to stronger health policies, better programme implementation and a more effective fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
