By Fatima Saka
The federal government of Nigeria in collaboration with International organizations has launched the Global Health Workforce Programme to motivate the gaps in sustainability changes in the Healthcare sectors.
At the launching of GHWP on Thursday in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health And Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate said this will pave ways in addressing the country’s health workforce challenges.
Prof Pate further expressed that the Nigerian health workforce is the cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare system, added that the federal government is tirelessly working to ensure the well-being of the citizens.
The minister who was represented by Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Director Health Planning Research and Statistics, FMOHSW However, said as the federal government surveys the current landscape, shows that there are gaps that demand government attention.
He added that from critical shortages to imbalance in skills distribution, that the governments recognize the challenges that have long persisted and must be addressed.
The minister said: “It is my pleasure to stand before you today to share an in-depth overview of our current health workforce landscape and to shed light on the strategic initiatives we are undertaking to fortify our health system. Today, we gather to officially launch the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), marking a significant step towards achieving our shared healthcare objectives.
“In addressing these identified gaps, the Ministry has devised strategic priorities aimed at fortifying our health workforce and the overall health systems. These priorities include strengthening governance, stewardship, and accountability of the health workforce, enhancing the functionality of the Human Resources for Health Information System (HRHIS) for effective health workforce planning, ensuring the production of sufficient numbers of qualified health workers, optimizing the recruitment, utilization, retention, and performance of the available health workforce, and reinforcing coordination and partnerships for the Human Resources for Health agenda.
“I am pleased to formally endorse the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP). We recognize the GHWP’s potential to align with our national health workforce strengthening agenda. Under the management of the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), the GHWP will play a crucial role in addressing our country’s health workforce challenges.
“To all those involved, I extend my sincere encouragement and gratitude. The GHWP has the potential to catalyze transformative change, and your dedication to this cause will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our healthcare landscape. The Ministry of Health is steadfast in its support of this program, recognizing its potential to bring about positive and sustainable change.
“I am pleased to officially announce the launch of the Global Health Workforce Programme in collaboration with THET. This partnership signifies a commitment to a shared vision of a robust health workforce, resilient health systems, and the realization of Universal Health Coverage.
‘Let us embark on this journey with determination and collective resolve. Together, we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead and pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for our nation.”
In her goodwill speech, H.E. Toyin Saraki, the wife of the former Governor of Kwara State, also Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an Non-governmental organization, said a well-trained and adequately supported healthcare workforce forms the backbone of all healthcare systems.
She added that this will serve as the frontline in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of populations. “By investing in continuous professional development and training programmes, particularly in critical areas such as Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, we not only equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and competencies to provide timely and effective care but also contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
“According to the World Health Organization, the lifetime risk of a Nigerian woman dying during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum or post-abortion is 1 in 22, in contrast to the lifetime risk in developed countries estimated at 1 in 4900.”
Also, Dr, Nwakaego Chukwukaodinaka, Head of Health System Strengthening, FMOHSW, who represented Director Health Planning Research and Statistic (DHPRS) said the launched of the transformative Global Health Workforce Program in Nigeria, is a momentous location that underscores the collective commitment that will fortifying the healthcare system.
“It is also a key part of the Global Health Workforce Program’s mission to enhance progress towards universal health coverage.
“Therefore, this endorsement signifies our dedication to addressing the critical health workforce challenges that have long impacted our nation.”
Furthermore, Speaking on the gunshots victims, the Director Health Planning Research and Statistics, said that it is wrong for any healthcare provider to deny anybody who requires emergency treatment. “That is clear in the National Health Act. There is another law to further strengthen the National Health Act.
“And the Nigerian police have released a statement that none of their personnel would harass a healthcare provider for providing service to anybody in an emergency.”
Also, WHO Country Representative, revealed that recently, WHO was awarded a grant by the UK government by the same donor to support Nigeria to strengthen its health workforce towards achieving universal health coverage.
“Through this generous support from the UK government, WHO Nigeria is working with the government of Nigeria at all levels to optimize the performance, quality, quantity and impact of the health workforce through evidence-based informed policies and strategies.”
Dr. Victor Gbenro, DPRS MDCN, said that the program will bring about three integral parts of the development of capacity of Nigeria’s health workforce, added that in areas of leadership, industrial rights, innovations and research, which is very much desired to improve the quality of the living.
“We are going to be monitoring and addressing challenges in the production, retention and health care system.”
Following are the partners; UKaid, Ducit Blue Solutions, Department of Health and Social Care and Partnership for Global Health.
