KEY STATEMENT OF THE HMSH, DR. OLORUNNIMBE MAMORA AT THE OCCASSION OF THE NATIONAL PRESENTATION, MINISTERIAL LAUNCH & DISSEMINATION OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION POLICY 2019 HELD MONDAY, 30TH NOVEMBER, 2020
It is my singular honor to deliver this Key Statements as we launch the National Health Promotion Policy 2019 and its Ancillary Strategic Policy documents. Indeed, it is an honor for Nigeria and the Ministry of Health to envision a population equipped with appropriate, adequate and effective health information to take timely actions in disease prevention and increase control over their health.
2. Due to globalization and other factors, the country is experiencing drastic changes in the rise of threats to its healthcare system ranging from the reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescents, elderly as well as nutrition factors, consumption patterns of alcohol and tobacco.
3. Thus, disease patterns are changing with more people affected by cancers, diabetes, and hypertension. Mental health conditions, road traffic accidents, domestic violence, unsafe sex, and insufficient physical activity are also on the rise. Other threats to the Nigerian populace include insecurity, floods, poverty, unemployment, and infectious and Non-Communicable diseases.
4. The Federal Ministry of Health developed the National Health Promotion Policy in 2006 to strengthen the Health Promotion capacity of the National Health System to deliver health care that is promotive, protective, preventive, restorative and rehabilitative to every citizen of the country.
5. However, the implementation of the maiden Policy was affected by some challenges such as weak intersectoral collaboration, weak management structures, poor infrastructure, and limited understanding of the concept of health promotion and consumer rights at all levels.
6. These gaps, current trends in Health Promotion Practices as well as emerging and re-emerging health issues of public health importance informed the revision of the 2006 edition.
7. The robust Health Promotion Policy (2019) and its Ancillary Strategic Policy documents took cognizance of the fact that people have a right to good health and well-being.
8. The Revised Policy 2019 begets the maiden five year National Strategic Plan for Health Promotion 2020-2024, and aims to provide strategic step to guide the implementation of the National Health Promotion Policy.
9. Also, in this era of digitalization, the Knowledge Management Guideline for Health Promotion (2020-2024) will provide a roadmap on effective documentation, dissemination and archiving of all related health information within the health sector in Nigeria.
10. The revised Policy also recognized that Health financing and implementation is beyond the government.Therefore, invaluable positive roles will be played by the Donor Agencies, Private Sector, Non- Governmental Organizations, Philanthropists, Academia, Civil Society Organisations, the Media, the Traditional and Religious leaders in disease prevention, improving health and wellbeing as well as taking measures that ensure a healthy society.
11. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate all our Partners, who have been in the forefront of supporting the on-going Government’s efforts at repositioning Health Promotion Programming in Nigeria.
12. Thank you all and God bless.
