The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to coordinate the Health Sector Response to Humanitarian Crises in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Abdullaziz Mashi Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr. Joseph Amedu, Director, Hospital Services at a “5-day” workshop on National Capacity Building for Humanitarian Crises in Nigeria, for State Focal Persons, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health, at the Global Village Hotel and Suites, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
Mr. Abdullahi said that Nigeria in recent times had been faced with degrees of social upheavals ranging from both natural and man-made factors which had led to population displacement, increased morbidity and mortality among affected population. He informed that the Health Sector Response to Humanitarian Crises was initiated by Federal Ministry of Health as part of the Federal Government’s effort towards ensuring the quality of healthcare of people and communities affected by crises and disasters, particularly the most vulnerable group.
He added that the Ministry had come up with a robust strategic plan to ensure health services for Nigerians especially in the North East affected by armed conflict. The plan provides two clear comprehensive approaches which include; provision of Basic and Essential Services and Health System strengthening in a coordinated and integrated manner with an overall goal to reduce morbidity and mortality in the target population.
He emphasized that coordination is key because there are a lot of players in the humanitarian field, both government and non-government, hence, the need to synergize efforts to reduce gaps, duplication and increase accountability among humanitarian actors.
Earlier Dr. Ngozi Azodo, Director, Special Project in the FMH said that the issue of humanitarian crises is critical to the Ministry because of its impact on health and human development. She stated that by the year 2050, it is estimated that 40% of the entire world will be under humanitarian conditions which shows that humanitarian issues are not getting better but rather worsening. She highlighted some of the causes of these humanitarian issues to include; conflicts, insurgency, herdsmen/farmers crisis, as well as natural disasters causing people move from their natural environment, thereby impoverishing them.
Goodwill messages were received from representatives of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, World Health Organization, Nigeria Center for Disease Control, North East Development Commission and Director General, National Youth Service Corps.
