President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government is seeking preventive measures to tackle infectious diseases, including Ebola, following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after being conferred with a fellowship by the West African College of Physicians.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also urged medical professionals in West Africa to develop sustainable solutions to the migration of skilled healthcare workers from the region.
“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else, you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now, we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections,” Tinubu said.
His remarks came barely two days after the Federal Government confirmed Nigeria’s first case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory.
The President called on members of the medical profession to support efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, pledging to continue contributing to the development of the profession.
Tinubu also expressed concern over the migration of trained health workers from West Africa, noting that the trend placed considerable pressure on healthcare systems, restricted access to essential services and increased the workload of personnel who remained.
He urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable strategies to address the challenge.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms aimed at making healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient.
He also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in driving the reforms.
“We, as a government, are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the West African College of Physicians and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for individuals whose contributions had significantly improved healthcare delivery in the sub-region.
“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in healthcare delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.
The college’s Secretary-General, Prof. Musa Dankyau, disclosed that the fellowship had been conferred only eight times in the institution’s 50-year history, with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara among its earliest recipients.
He said former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, was the only previous Nigerian recipient, having received the honour in 1991.
Dankyau said Tinubu was recognised for his administration’s contributions to healthcare infrastructure, access to medical services, emergency care, primary healthcare and universal health coverage.
He also cited investments in primary healthcare and universal health coverage, putting the amount at more than $2.2bn, although the statement did not provide a source for the figure.
On Ebola preparedness, the college secretary-general said health authorities had expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to respond to the disease.
“Just a couple of days back, the health minister had also announced that we are ready and prepared to face Ebola,” he said.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Pate; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Anas.
The college also informed Tinubu that its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting would take place from October 26 to 28 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
