WHO Backs Legislative Reforms To Strengthen Nigeria’s Health Security
WHO Backs Legislative Reforms To Strengthen Nigeria’s Health Security
ABUJA: At a pivotal policy dialogue on strengthening health security in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, highlighted the need for robust health security frameworks to protect Nigerians from emerging global health threats.
Speaking at the event on November 13, 2024, at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja, Dr. Mulombo expressed WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health security reforms, emphasizing the critical role of legislative and community engagement to safeguard the nation’s health.
Dr. Mulombo commended the Health Sector Reform Coalition’s partnership with the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development, which organized the dialogue, and underscored the necessity of strengthening health legislation as a core priority in Nigeria’s national agenda. “Global public health security is a shared responsibility,” he stated, “and Nigeria must continue to collaborate across sectors to minimize the risks of acute public health events that endanger health across borders.”
The high-level dialogue comes as health experts worldwide raise alarms over factors disrupting health stability, from urbanization to environmental degradation and the rapid spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Population growth, increased global travel, and reliance on chemicals have heightened vulnerabilities, making legislative action critical for addressing issues like antimicrobial misuse and the risks of foodborne diseases.
Dr. Mulombo commended Nigeria’s progress in legislative reforms, citing the successful passage of the Animal Diseases (Control) Bill in April 2022. However, he urged the government to push forward on additional bills, including amendments to the National Health Act and the NCDC Act, as well as the proposed Public Health Emergency Bill and the National Port Health Services Bill. These laws are essential to align Nigeria’s health framework with the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005, which guide countries in preventing and responding to health threats.
“Legislation is key to protecting lives during crises,” Dr. Mulombo said, “and Nigeria’s proactive efforts to close legislative gaps are commendable.” He stressed that, alongside the legislative push, civil society organizations (CSOs) play an essential role by assessing community needs and communicating them to policymakers to ensure inclusive health reforms. Source
