FG targets WHO 2016-2020 road map for health, ageing

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment towards achieving the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2016-2020 road map targets and goals of the Global Strategy and action plan for Health and Ageing.

Speaking during the Celebration of 2018 Day of Older Persons, a one-day Project and Partnership Development Outreach Programme on Healthcare for the Aged, Social Security of Elderly and the Rights of the Senior Citizens in Abuja, Prof. Adewole said that the targets as envisaged in the plan, will be attained and possibly surpassed.

Represented by the National Project Coordinator, Healthcare Package for Improving Quality care of the Ageing,(HEPI2Q-C ), Dr. Saidu Dumbuulwa, the Minister pointed out that the ministry had made some progress in the on-going health sector response to the care of the aged.

According to Adewole, the ministry had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some universities in the United Kingdom.

“As you know, in our various cultures, the health and social care of the aged is a collective responsibility of every member of the family.

“However, it is the responsibility of all to protect and ensure improve quality of health and welfare of the ageing population”.

He further said that the ministry was open to other relevant organisations and Partners in Nigeria ahead of the first national summit on healthy ageing, slated for the fourth quarter of 2018.

He noted that in the last decade, concerns for the ageing population had led to the introduction of new policies and programmes in which the social sector had taken the centre stage.

He informed that several policy framework documents, including national plans of action on ageing, had also been enacted, saying that the ministry were working hard to ensure that Nigeria was not left behind.

He thanked the International Federation on Ageing Nigeria (IFAN) and other organising partners for marking the 2018 International Day of Older Persons, a success.

He emphasized that the theme of this year`s celebration which was “Celebrating Older Human Right Champions”, was in line with Federal Government’s current efforts to address the needs of older persons in the country.

In his remarks, the Coordinator, International Federation on Ageing,( Nigeria,(IFAN), Mr Ike Willie-Nwobu, reiterated the commitment of IFAN to partner with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant bodies to achieve its target.