Nigeria’s Health Sector Set For Revamp With $4.8bn Investment – VP Shettima

*** Commissions Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, describes Mijinyawa as a trustworthy businessman

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has announced that the federal government’s health sector reforms have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments.

According to him, the investments are part of the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Disclosing this on Saturday at the commissioning and grand opening of Sahad Hospitals in Abuja, Senator Shettima outlined a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding challenges and propel Nigeria’s healthcare system into the future.

“Our health sector calls upon us all to unite. The promise of this day is one we cannot overlook. It is through such collaboration and shared dedication that we can guarantee every Nigerian receives the care and support they deserve,” he declared.

The Vice President noted that the health sector reforms under the Tinubu administration are anchored on a robust roadmap designed to tackle persistent issues that have plagued the system for decades.

He said, “This Administration’s ambitious health sector reforms, which have already attracted over $4.8 billion in potential investments, signal a strong commitment to revitalising our healthcare system.

“These reforms are anchored on a comprehensive roadmap designed to address longstanding challenges, and central to this are four key pillars: transforming healthcare governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security.”

Detailing the government’s strategy, Senator Shettima highlighted initiatives launched by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate saying, “We have set out to achieve this by boosting domestic production of essential medical supplies and drugs, and by strengthening primary healthcare through the doubling of fully functional centres across the nation.”

The Vice President acknowledged the challenges that remain, regretting that “Nigerians continue to grapple with pressing healthcare challenges, such as surging costs of medicines, long hospital waiting times, and a shortage of health workers”.

He emphasised that the full impact of the reforms, particularly in improving access to quality healthcare, hinges on private sector involvement.

“Our private sector is a critical part of the solution, especially in the face of the long-standing brain drain among our medical workforce.

“Investing in the health sector engages the talents and skills of our citizens, generating numerous job opportunities for graduates and technicians. This is a notable aspect of our national development narrative,” the Vice President explained.

Senator Shettima revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC), which he chairs, has prioritised investments in developing Nigeria’s human capital, with health and nutrition being key thematic areas.

“Each of our state governors is fully on board. We have all acknowledged that no nation can optimise its opportunities without investing in its healthcare, and for us, this is only the beginning,” he assured.

Reiterating the administration’s commitment to the goal, the VP said, “We welcome this intervention, not just because it aligns with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has demonstrated his commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, but also because of its far-reaching implications for our national development.

“We stand prepared to move forward together into the future, and I assure you that the government will continue to be your steadfast partner in this effort to serve the nation and humanity, with full support to achieve our shared goals.”

The Vice President described the Chairman/Founder of Sahad Group of Companies, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa, as a good and trustworthy businessman, even as he recounted how he intervened when Sahad Stores Ltd was locked up by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

He stated: “When the FCCPC locked up his store, I had to call the head of the agency to say, ‘Please, reopen the store before you come and tell me what happened’. I did so because I know how helpful Sahad Stores is to many Nigerians

“He (Alhaji Mijinyawa) is a very good man. He has used his business to touch many lives. If he was a selfish man, he would have kept his money to himself and his children and grandchildren alone, because he has enough to take care of himself till he leaves this world.

“But he has decided to continue helping humanity. I had so many engagements scheduled for this weekend but had to appeal to them that I can’t attend their events because I feel we should support such a person that is working for the course of humanity. We all need to support him,” the VP added.

On his part, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the occasion, Senator Barau Jibrin, on said words are not enough to thank the Chairman of the hospital, Alhaji Mijinyawa, for his philanthropy, good quality services to the less privileged people, assuring that Sahad Hospitals will not be an exception.

Senator Jibrin who was represented at the event by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki said he was looking forward to seeing the hospital serve humanity, both high and low-income Nigerians, even as he urged the hospital authorities to liaise with other NGOs that finance medical services for the less privileged so that the people of the community who have been displaced can have access to the facility.

Also, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, thanked the Chairman of the hospital, saying the hospital does not only mark a new chapter of healthcare in Nigeria but a celebration of a vision that exemplifies what could be achieved when public-spirited individuals invest in the health of their fellow citizens.

Noting that the commissioning of the 200-bedded Sahad Hospital is a testament to the unwavering commitment of a private citizen, he said Alhaji Mijinyawa has taken a bold step to complement the efforts of the federal government in improving quality healthcare for citizens.

The Minister said the challenges of healthcare services today are multifaceted, requiring more innovative efforts from both the government and private sector.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chairman of Sahad Hospital, Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu, described the hospital as a state-of-the-art facility built to showcase their unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare and upholding the well-being of those it serves.

According to him, the hospital represents more than just a physical structure; it embodies the vision for a healthier future where everyone has access to comprehensive and compassionate care.

Explaining that Sahad Hospital has a 200-bedded capacity with seven operating theatres, 13 dialysis machines, as well as 10-bedded ICU units, Shamsuddeen said, “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the hospital – from the design to equipment – is centered around patients’ needs.”

Nigeria’s Health Sector Set For Revamp With $4.8bn Investment – VP Shettima

U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines

By: Michael Mike

United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 10,000 doses of the mpox (formerly referred to as “Monkeypox”) vaccine to its Nigerian counterpart to support the nation’s ongoing efforts to respond to the current mpox outbreak.

Mpox is an infectious viral disease that occurs in humans and animals. It can be transmitted through close contact including sexual interactions. The prevention of mpox is through vaccination. Individuals of 18 years of age and older are determined to be at high risk for mpox infection and highly recommended to take the vaccine.

The vaccine is a two-dose primary series for use in persons who have never received smallpox vaccine and a single booster for individuals previously vaccinated with a smallpox vaccine

The U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills, speaking at the event to hand over the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said: “We are pleased to know that this is a timely donation that will reach the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection.”

He added that: “We encourage the Government of Nigeria to continue to mobilize domestic resources to secure more vaccines to combat mpox.”

It has been reported that the federal government has prioritized five states (Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River, Lagos, and Rivers) with the highest burden of mpox cases. The vaccines are expected to be given to those most at risk of mpox including close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises.

When questioned on the safety of the vaccine, Mills said: “Yes, the vaccine is safe. Safety tests have been conducted during clinical trials, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reviewed the results of these trials before granting approval for the use of the vaccines in Nigeria.”

USAID in a statement on Tuesday promised to continue to provide technical support and collaborate with the Government of Nigeria to improve prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and resilience to infectious disease outbreaks.

It said it is also supporting the Government of Nigeria with strengthening primary health care and routine immunization systems as well as supporting overall systems strengthening including health, education, nutrition, governance systems, and the rule of law.

U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines

DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Doses Amid Ongoing Outbreak

By: Babagana Wakil

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive its first shipment of mpox vaccines next week, courtesy of the United States, according to the country’s Health Minister. This timely intervention aims to combat the ongoing outbreak, which has disproportionately affected the DRC.

The DRC has borne the brunt of the mpox outbreak, accounting for over 96% of all reported cases and deaths. The country urgently requires 3 million vaccine doses to stem the spread of the virus.

In a welcome move, the United States and Japan have pledged to donate mpox vaccines to support the DRC’s response efforts. The arrival of these vaccine doses next week marks a crucial step in containing the outbreak and protecting vulnerable populations.

Health officials in the DRC have expressed gratitude for the international support, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to combat the spread of mpox.

DRC to Receive First Mpox Vaccine Doses Amid Ongoing Outbreak