Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s public health response with the retraining of no fewer than 79,000 health workers across the country.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to improve emergency preparedness amid growing concerns over emerging and re-emerging disease threats.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at a public health symposium, warning that future pandemics remain a real and imminent risk.
He explained that disease outbreaks often evolve gradually and, if not contained early, can escalate into widespread public health crises.
According to him, recent findings have highlighted Nigeria’s exposure to multiple infectious diseases, reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance and preparedness.
Pate stressed that beyond health risks, pandemics pose significant economic and security challenges, noting that past outbreaks have disrupted livelihoods and national systems.
He said the government is prioritising investments in resilient health systems, skilled workforce development, and institutional capacity to ensure effective response to future emergencies.
The minister also emphasised the need to strengthen public trust, expand local production of vaccines and medicines, and improve safety for frontline health workers.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, described pandemics as among the most disruptive events globally, noting that recent health crises exposed gaps in health systems.
He called for improved surveillance, stronger collaboration, and a coordinated approach involving all sectors of society.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Pavel Ursu, stressed that global cooperation remains critical in tackling infectious diseases.
He noted that early detection, transparency, and data sharing are essential in limiting the spread of outbreaks.
Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, called for deeper collaboration between both countries, noting that infectious diseases remain unpredictable due to evolving transmission patterns.
He said strengthening partnerships in healthcare, science, and innovation would enhance both immediate response and long-term resilience.
Stakeholders at the event also advocated increased investment in research, digital health systems, and cross-sector collaboration, including the adoption of integrated approaches linking human, animal, and environmental health.
They stressed that proactive planning and sustained investment remain crucial as Nigeria seeks to build a more responsive and resilient health system.
The symposium, themed “Lessons on Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Insights from China and Nigeria,” brought together experts from both nations to translate lessons from past health crises into actionable strategies, deepen bilateral cooperation, and build resilient healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to future threats.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant weaknesses in health systems worldwide but also provided critical insights for reform. He emphasized Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen disease surveillance systems, improve emergency response coordination, and scale up investments in health infrastructure.
The Minister further underscored the value of international collaboration, describing Nigeria–China relations as a strong example of effective partnership in public health. He noted that continued exchange of expertise, technology, and best practices would be vital in enhancing preparedness and protecting populations.
In his keynote intervention on behalf of the Chinese delegation, senior health expert, Prof. George Goa highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation, innovation, and data sharing in addressing emerging and re-emerging health threats. He pointed to China’s experience in managing large-scale outbreaks, particularly its rapid response systems and community based approaches, as valuable models for strengthening global health systems.
Participants at the symposium stressed that pandemic preparedness must extend beyond emergency response, calling for sustained investments in healthcare delivery, workforce development, research, and early warning systems. They also emphasized the need for transparency and timely communication and coordinated international action in managing future outbreaks.
Development partners commended both countries for their proactive engagement, noting that such collaborative platforms are essential for knowledge exchange and aligning global health strategies.
The Abuja symposium marks a significant milestone in Nigeria–China health cooperation, with stakeholders expressing confidence that its outcomes will lead to concrete policies and initiatives that enhance resilience at national, regional, and global levels.
As discussions continue, participants are expected to develop actionable recommendations that will further strengthen partnerships and reinforce the shared commitment to safeguarding lives and advancing global health security.
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