AFRICA

Jonathan: Ebola Outbreak Tested Nigeria’s Preparedness For Emergencies

A former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has suggested collective action to achieve universal health coverage, saying the outbreak of Ebola Virus in 2014 tested the resilience and capacity of the country to respond to public health emergencies.

He also.emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address the healthcare challenges in Nigeria.

Jonathan represented by a former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, expressed the view at the maiden Health Summit of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which held in Abuja.

The summit, with the theme, ‘Health Prosperity in the Decade of God’s Reign,’ brought together healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.

He highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare, including the signing of the National Health Act in 2014.

Jonathan said, “During my tenure as President, Nigeria faced significant health challenges, including the outbreak of the Ebola virus in 2014. This period tested our resilience and capacity to respond to public health emergencies.

“However, through the collective efforts of our healthcare professionals, government agencies, international partners, and the unwavering support of communities, we were able to successfully contain the outbreak and protect our people. The experience taught us invaluable lessons about the importance of preparedness, swift action, and the power of collaboration.

“The same year, I had the privilege of signing the National Health Act (NHA) into law. This landmark legislation laid the foundation for improving our healthcare system and made it possible for our citizens’ to access quality healthcare services, across the country.

“Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes.

“Despite these strides, we recognize that the journey towards achieving universal health coverage is far from over. There are still significant gaps in healthcare access, infrastructure, and funding that need to be addressed.”

At the event, the Primate of Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, expressed the commitment of the church to healthcare, citing its historical role in establishing hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The cleric called for increased collaboration between the Church, government, and private sector to achieve universal health coverage.

He said, “Nigeria is at the crossroads, with myriads of challenges and great outcry of the citizens in the face of hunger, sickness and diseases, suffering and Afflictions. It is evident that the government cannot meet with all the needs of our people,

“With the challenges that we face in the area of health care delivery especially the suffering of our members and citizens, we consider that the church must engage in holistic mission.”

The Director-General of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri, also emphasized the importance of collective action, highlighting the agency’s efforts to expand health insurance coverage and ensure financial access to quality healthcare.

He said, “It is one thing for healthcare to be provided, but it is another for people to access it. Many of us understand that those who are poor sometimes cannot access healthcare because much of it is paid for out of pocket. If there is nothing in your pocket, there is nothing you can pay for.

“There is also another group of people who can pay for health care, but because they pay at the time they need health intervention, the costs are so high that they are driven back into the poverty they tried to escape from.

“Health poverty is a term that recognizes that prosperity is intrinsically linked to good health. Hence, the advocacy for universal health care. This means that all people have access to the full range of quality services they need, where and when they need them, without being plunged into additional financial hardship.”

Friday Olokor