Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa Calls for Strengthened Subnational Support in Health Security
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Prevention Control (NCDC), marked his second anniversary in office by advocating for increased budgetary allocation to address public health threats in Nigeria.
Dr. Adetifa stressed the importance of dedicated funding for health security, which would enhance the country’s ability to respond to public health challenges effectively. He also emphasised the need to strengthen subnational support, given Nigeria’s federal structure.
In his interview, Dr. Adetifa highlighted the significance of a strong partnership with different states and increased investment in subnational efforts to improve health security.
He urged political leaders to prioritise health, emphasising that it involves not only infrastructure but also human resources, equipment, training, and quality systems.
Dr. Adetifa pointed out that some states, such as Lagos, Kano, and Gombe, have allocated budgets for emergency preparedness and response, but others face resource constraints.
He called for continuous surveillance and monitoring, particularly regarding diseases like Lassa fever, as the country approaches the season for such outbreaks.
Dr. Adetifa underscored that addressing healthcare challenges requires a collective effort involving the government, various sectors, and active participation from the public.
Source: Peoples Gazette
