Umar Zulum honours NAPharm 10th Anniversary in Lagos.

By Sherifat Oyediran. Lagos.

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umaru Zulum as described

Healthcare Transformation is a catalyst for national development and the most critical pillar of any society, serving as a foundation for   Individuals’ well-being and economic growth.

Prof. Babagana Umaru Zulum disclosed this at the Tenth Anniversary, Investiture and Induction of New Fellows of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy in Lagos with the theme “Healthcare Transformation and National Development “.

Prof Zulum who was represented by his Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafu stated that when a nation invests in transforming its healthcare system, it invests in its people and its future.

According to him, a robust, accessible, and efficient healthcare system fosters a healthy workforce, enhances productivity, reduces poverty and contributes to social stability.

The Governor while examining the impact of healthcare transformation on economic growth, social equality, human capital development and technological innovation explained the importance of healthcare transformation and economic growth in the country.

Prof Zulum who noted that a healthy population is the bedrock of economic growth explained that healthy individuals participate more actively in the workforce, boost productivity and contribute to the national prosperity of the country.

He said improving access to quality medical care and preventive services will reduce the disease burden and ensure citizens can work longer and more efficiently.

Governor Zulum while describing healthcare as a fundamental human right, said its accessibility is a crucial measure of social equity in any nation when the systems are inequitable, with access limited to specific groups based on income, geography, or social status disparity in health outcome increase.

Healthcare Transformation aimed to bridge these gaps by ensuring all citizens can access quality healthcare regardless of their background, he noted.

Speaking on Healthcare Transformation and Human Capital Development, he said human capital; a nation’s workforce’s knowledge, skills, and abilities is one of the most significant economic and social development drivers.

He mentioned that healthcare transformation contributed directly to human capital development by ensuring individuals are healthy enough to learn, work, and innovate, adding that education and healthcare are intertwined and that a robust healthcare system supports the development of a knowledgeable and skilled population.

On the major healthcare initiatives in Borno State since 2019, the Governor explained that Borno State Nigeria has been facing significant healthcare challenges due to the ongoing insurgency by Boko Haram, which has significantly impacted infrastructure, social systems, and the health sector, saying despite these challenges, various healthcare initiatives have been introduced since 2019 to improve health outcome and relieve affected populations.

While highlighting some notable healthcare initiatives in the state since 2019, he said the World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in Borno State providing essential healthcare services, disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and maternal and child healthcare, they have also supported emergency health interventions to tackle disease outbreaks and helped establish and operate mobile clinics.

“UNICEF has focused on nutritional support, child and maternal health, water and sanitation improvements, they also participated in vaccination campaigns and supported the establishment of temporary health facilities in internally displaced person(IDP) camps.”

Zulum pointed out other notable healthcare initiatives in the state which included; Humanitarian aid and health sector support, vaccination campaigns, Primary healthcare revitalization, Nutritional support programs, mental health support, Partnerships with International Organizations, Maternal and child health programs, clean water and sanitation initiatives and Covid-19 response.

The Governor explained that Borno State has implemented COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination campaigns, noting that

The state’s Health Ministry and International Health bodies have been active in ensuring the population gets vaccinated and have adequate access to testing and treatment facilities.

The new fellows inducted at the event are; Pharmacist Emejie Okafor, Prof. Olushola Aremu, pharmacist Ramon Jimoh, pharmacist Olubukola Bulky George, Pharmacist Adeyinka Ishola, Pharmacist Dr. Ramatu Momodu, Pharmacist Dr. Modupe Oyewole, Prof. Rebecca Soremekun, pharmacist Chinwe Ukwe and Prof. Aliyu Zakari- Jiya.