The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has expressed concern that, despite several decades of effort, health data in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region remains below global averages.
He made this remark at the 26th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers, held in Praia, Cape Verde.
According to Dr Salako, excessive maternal and child mortality persists, and equitable access to essential healthcare continues to elude the region.
He emphasised the need for renewed commitment to an integrated, community-driven strategy, with primary healthcare as its foundation.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare, including the upgrading of primary health centres and the training of frontline health workers. He also referenced the country’s initiative to promote local manufacturing within the health sector and reduce reliance on imports.
