The Federal Ministry Ministry of Health has announced that international heath donor agency, the Global Fund, will continue its support for the country in the areas of funding, drugs and research development against killer diseases, notably AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The Federal Ministry Ministry of Health, Friday, in a press statement, announced that international heath donor agency, the Global Fund, has assured of its continued support for the country in the areas of funding, drugs and research development against killer diseases, notably AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The reassurance comes on the heel of circumspection among sister donor agencies over what is globally perceived as the country’s lack of transparency and accountability if administration of support from the agencies. The perception was pervasive in the country’s last administration
However, Executive Director of Global Fund, Mark Dybul, said at the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, that the agency did not reduce its allocation to Nigeria because of the forthrightness and honesty being exhibited by current Health Minister.
Referring to Isaac Adewole, Health Minister, Dybul said “because of your leadership and appeal, we did not reduce the allocation to Nigeria. You have been honest. As a result of your honesty, when I leave the Assembly, I will be working on several projects across Africa, please let me know how I can be of help to you in Nigeria.”
The minister had earlier spoken on behalf of his counterparts from Africa and presented the Nigeria Universal Health Coverage Agenda to the General Assembly attended by delegates from over 200 countries, including the outgoing Director-General of WHO, Magaret Chan.
Mr. Adewole also coordinated the meeting of the Commonwealth Health Ministers of the African region to articulate the continent`s agenda where he rolled out the plans and efforts of his ministry in tackling the menace of cervical cancer which includes free screening for breast and cervical cancer, as well as for prostate cancer in men above 50 years of age.
The 70th World Health Assembly began on May 22 and will last till the end of the month.
The minister is attending the meeting alongside Faisal Shuaib, head of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP.
