Bukola Afeni
The Director General of the West African Institute of Public Health, Dr Francis Ohanyido, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to collaborate to improve the public health sector in Africa.
He noted that cross sector collaboration and partnership will maximize resources in the health sector.
The Director General stated this at the Academy of Public Health 2023 Induction Ceremony organized by the West African Institute of Public Health in Abuja.
Dr Ohanyido encouraged young health professionals to inculcate team spirit so as to achieve positive result in the health sector.
“There is need to work together to advance the health sector. Public health is about all of us, and this was clearly shown during the pandemic. We need to reconsider and localize what we mean by public health or global health.We need to be innovative about evolving knowledge on public health”, the DG said.
He also called on Young Health Professionals to be focused about the mission of evolving knowledge in public health as a tool to access and give value to the health sector.
The Founder and Executive Director Speak Up Africa ,Yacine Djibo also expressed eagerness towards future collaborations that will improve Public Health across Africa Continent.
She also applauded the West Africa Academy of Public Health for the remarkable role played in fostering excellence and innovation in the realm of public health and commitment to nurturing emerging public health leaders.
She commended the institute standards for being symbols of dedication in impacting the well being of communities in West Africa and beyond.
She stated that the ceremony was a proof of inclusive efforts jeered at promoting Universal Health Coverage in Africa,
“The event represents a collective effort of the West Africa Institute of Public Health and the Academy of Public Health in their shared vision of fostering good health .
It is part of robust building blocks for the future of health in Africa. With meaningful collaboration, innovations and excellent work climate,
“We are deeply proud to be a part of the transformation journey.We are deeply committed to continue our work in Public Health and maintain effort
towards contributing more to the development of our community”, she said.
” I will like to express our heart felt gratitude to the West Africa Institute of Public Health , Academy of Public Health and Director General, Dr Francis Ohanyido, and the President for the recognition.”
“We are grateful for all the support as one of the organizations that stood by us on our remarkable journey, and also in our collective efforts. We look forward to continue the remarkable partnership .
“We are very excited about what lies ahead of us, and we are eagerly anticipating a lasting impact on public health in West Africa”, She said.
The Founder of Speak Up Africa was on the DG’s honour list as as a Fellow of the Academy of Public health.
The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas emphasized on the need to optimize health outcomes in the country, through the one health approach.
“We need to ensure that policies, legislation, and research work are geared towards improving the health sector.There is need for a solution that will benefit all the sectors.Health security is also critical in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for the health systems”, she said.
According to her, the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control has put in place the One Health Strategic Plan in Nigeria for implementing the One Health principles.
“The strategic plan aims to improve coordination, communication, and data sharing among different sectors and strengthening disease surveillance system.
The plan is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to complex health issues through cross sector collaboration”, she said.
