Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has called for the development of effective strategies to promote the retention of skilled health professionals through improved working conditions, professional development opportunities, and recognition of their contributions.
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to advance healthcare and safeguard the well-being of its citizens by recognising the urgency of addressing health workforce migration and its implications on Nigeria’s health systems.
The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Kachollom Daju, was responding to Agenda 8 in the annual report of the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation, Matshidiso Moeti, on the work of the agency in the African Region which recently held in Botswana.
Dr. Pate noted that by joining hands and developing effective strategies, “we can work towards a future where our healthcare workforce is resilient, vibrant, and capable of meeting the needs of our populations.”
The Minister stated that the “Framework for implementing the Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery, 2021–2025 in the WHO African Region” arrives at a crucial juncture, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast light on our healthcare systems’ strengths and vulnerabilities.
He added that even as we create comprehensive strategies, we can collectively mitigate the negative impacts of health worker migration on our health systems.
“Afro is uniquely positioned to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among member states. We encourage the development of effective strategies to promote the retention of skilled health professionals through improved working conditions, professional development opportunities, and recognition of their contributions,” he further stated.
Pate added that exploring innovative ways to tap into the expertise of the diaspora while also encouraging their return can contribute significantly to strengthening healthcare systems assuring that Nigeria fully supports this framework.
