Remarks by Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), at the Dialogue with Female Commissioners of Health Across Nigeria
It is with profound honor and gratitude that I join you today in this crucial dialogue with our esteemed female Commissioners of Health across Nigeria. Being surrounded by such accomplished women, united by a shared commitment to advancing healthcare for our women and children, fills me with immense pride and optimism. This forum exemplifies the power of collaboration and inclusive leadership in addressing the health challenges facing our nation.
Having served as the Commissioner for Health in my state, albeit in an acting capacity, I understand firsthand the pivotal role commissioners play in shaping health outcomes. As the health leaders in your respective states, your responsibilities transcend managing secondary health services. You are the focal point of all health matters—primary, secondary, and tertiary—because the health outcomes of everyone living and working in your states ultimately rest on your leadership.
It is vital to foster close collaboration with local government health authorities, federal teaching hospitals, and development partners to create a unified approach to healthcare delivery. One of the key structures that facilitates this collaboration is the State Task Force on Immunization and Primary Health Care, often chaired by deputy governors and with commissioners serving as secretaries. This task force functions as a state-level council on health, bringing together stakeholders from the military, civil society, development partners, and teaching hospitals to collectively address critical health issues. Leveraging this platform effectively can help us tackle maternal and child health challenges, reduce mortality rates, and improve immunization coverage.
Primary health care remains the cornerstone of our health system, yet it is often underutilized and under-resourced. To change this, we must ensure that primary health centers are fully functional, staffed with well-trained professionals, and equipped with essential medications and infrastructure, such as electricity and clean water. Community engagement through Health Development Committees is also crucial, as these multi-sectoral groups help to build trust, increase service uptake, and maintain accountability at the grassroots level.
A key challenge we face is the breakdown of our referral system, which has negatively impacted the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Teaching hospitals are overwhelmed with cases that should be handled at the primary or secondary levels, while primary health centers see fewer patients than they should. Strengthening referral pathways and ensuring seamless communication between all levels of care is essential to reversing this trend and improving health outcomes.
As we deliberate today, let us remember that improving the health of our people requires a holistic approach—one that addresses malnutrition, immunization gaps, and access to quality care. Immunization rates, for instance, have dropped significantly, leaving many children unprotected from preventable diseases. We must prioritize initiatives that increase vaccination coverage, educate our communities, and build resilient health systems.
In conclusion, I commend each of you for your unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare in your states. Together, we can create a healthier future for our nation by ensuring that no one is left behind. Let us continue to champion innovative solutions, foster collaboration, and advocate for policies that prioritize the health and well-being of our people. Thank you for your service and commitment to this noble cause.
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