Health

Under-five mortality reduced by 16.7% between 2018 and 2023- Pate

Published

2 years ago

November 6, 2024

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Pate, says the death rate of children under five years of age has reduced by 16.7 per cent between 2018 and 2023.

He disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR).

The NAN reports that JAR is a crucial platform for advancing the principles of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), bringing together stakeholders to reflect on progress made, evaluate challenges and identify areas for further improvement.

According to Pate, the figure is based on the pre-population health outlook report of the soon to be reviewed Nigeria Demographic and HealthSurvey (NDHS) conducted in 2023.

He added that there were also significant improvements in infectious diseases, ranging from 40 per cent reduction in diarrheal diseases,24 per cent reduction in Tuberculosis and 12 per cent reduction in HIV.

“So, in spite of the pervasive sense that there are difficult challenges, Nigeria is beginning to move, which with this political commitment,we can accelerate in the right direction.
“Also, 17 states have already shown improved performance in modern contraceptives and six have already doubled.”

Pate explained that in the last one year, based on the data-driven diagnostic assessment of the health sector, a strategic blueprint with an overallgoal to save lives was developed to reduce both physical and financial pain and ensure good health for all Nigerians.

He added that the blueprint, comprising four pillars of governance, underpins the efforts being made and the collective approaches being taken to enhance the sector.

He alluded to the health compact that was signed by the president, which had the buy-in of all the state governors, adding that there are significant progress in that regard.

He said that “by Quarter Three of 2024, we have already met 31 out of 41 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across the presidential commitments andare on course to surpass all our targets for 2024.

“Also, N45 million has already been disbursed through direct facilities to states and several facilities have been revitalised.”

Pate, however, said that in spite of the successes recorded, there were still challenges that needed to be improved on.

He mentioned affordability of care, data sources, coverage of children with zero dose immunisation and malnutrition as some of the areas that require attention.

The minister assured Federal Government’s commitment to prioritise health issues, in line with the principles of the sector-wide compact that was signed.

He urged state governments to also commit to improved budgetary allocation for health, while seeking stronger convergence of financing and technicalsupport from development partners.

The Governor of Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, while delivering a keynote address, said that one of the landmark initiatives introduced by the Federal Governmentin the enhancement of the efficiency of the health sector was the SWAp.

Uzodinma, who spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), said the SWAp promotes the “One Budget, One Plan, One Organisation and One Report”.

He added that the approach was further solidified by the signing of the Health Sector Renewal Compact by President Bola Tinubu, Pate and the 36 governors and developmentpartners.

He explained that “the signing of this compact is a powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to universal health governance and underscoresthe critical importance of collaboration between the Federal Government, the states and local government areas to achieve our health goals.

“The recent results of the NDHS reinforces why this collaboration is essential.”

Uzodinma, however, said that although there have been some improvements in health indicators particularly in reducing the final impact of the health crisis, thefigures remain unacceptably high.

He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to recognise the unique challenges each state faces, while maintaining shared focus on achievingbetter health outcomes for all Nigerians.

He reiterated the commitment of the NGF to continue to honour commitments to build a more resilient, inclusive and effective healthcare system thatmeets the needs of Nigerians.
The review, which started on Wednesday, will end on Friday.

NAN

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

1 month ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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