Victoria Mbangwa
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has emphasized the indispensable role of traditional rulers in ensuring the success of primary health care (PHC) and immunization efforts.
Speaking at the 2025 First Quarter Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery in Abuja, the minister commended the NTLC for its 16 years of unwavering dedication to public health. He described their leadership as a globally recognized model for voluntary grassroots mobilization.
The meeting comes at a critical time following the detection of Circulating Variant Polio Virus Type 2 (cVPV2) in some communities, raising concerns about immunization gaps and supervision challenges.
Prof. Pate urged traditional rulers to intensify advocacy for vaccination campaigns and counteract misinformation, particularly on social media platforms where conspiracy theories often undermine public health efforts.
“Your steadfast support continues to drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s health sector.” He said.
Beyond polio eradication, the minister highlighted broader government initiatives to strengthen PHC, including a newly approved ₦1 trillion ($1.2 billion) performance-based financing initiative aimed at supporting state governments. He noted that increased budget allocations reflect the administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare access across Nigeria.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past success in overcoming polio challenges, Prof. Pate expressed confidence that with strong leadership and community-driven action, the country could once again defeat the virus. “We have done it before, and I believe we can do it again,” he affirmed.
As Nigeria works to consolidate its polio-free status, the minister’s call reinforces the importance of traditional leaders not only in promoting immunization but also in shaping public trust in health interventions at the grassroots level.
