In alignment with the global community’s observance of World Trauma Day, the Federal Government had reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our workforce while striving to diminish the occurrence of trauma within our communities.
During a Press Briefing held today at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja to mark World Trauma Day under the theme “Workplace Injury: Prevention and Management,” the Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made this commitment.
The Coordinating Minister represented by Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, Director Teaching Hospitals, Prof. Pate elucidated that World Trauma Day serves to raise awareness regarding the intricate impacts of trauma on mental and physical well-being. He highlighted the Federal Ministry of Health’s proactive endeavors, ranging from prevention measures to immediate care and Rehabilitation in Nigeria.
Emphasizing the importance of the World Trauma Day theme, which underscores the vital necessity of safeguarding the health and well-being of our workforce, the Coordinating Minister stressed that workplace injuries not only affect individuals and families but also yield significant repercussions for our economy and society at large.
He noted that globally, trauma remains a prominent cause of mortality and morbidity, affecting millions annually.
According to the World Health Organization, injuries and violence contribute to over 4.4 million deaths worldwide each year, constituting approximately 8% of all global deaths.
Discussing the initiatives being implemented to enhance trauma care for workplace injuries in the country, Prof. Pate affirmed that the Ministry will establish a specialized clinic within the Ministry to provide Emergency Medical Services, including care for workplace injuries.
He further mentioned the government’s efforts to enhance emergency medical services nationally through the establishment of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) scheme.
As part of the government’s endeavors to enhance trauma care, Professor Pate disclosed that a National Trauma Care Policy is under development to offer a strategic framework for managing trauma cases, encompassing pre-hospital and emergency care to rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce.
Regarding prevention strategies, the Coordinating Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to promoting workplace safety across all sectors.
“This includes advocating for the implementation of safety protocols, providing comprehensive training for employees on safe practices, and conducting regular assessments to minimize hazards.”
Recognizing prevention as the most effective approach to mitigating trauma, he emphasized that investing in preventive measures can significantly reduce the burden of workplace injuries.
Earlier in the Briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom mni, represented by Dr. Azeez Aderemi,
Director Specialty Hospital, highlighted World Trauma Day as a call to renew our dedication to reducing workplace injuries through proactive prevention and robust management strategies.
The event was graced by representatives from various government agencies who delivered goodwill messages, including the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, International Committee of the Red Cross, National Orthopedic Association of Nigeria, and Directorate of Road Transport Services VIO.
