Lawmaker Banigo awarded Legislative Champion For Public Health Resilience

…vows consented efforts towards Health sector development

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to public health resilience with a prestigious award.

This accolade acknowledges her tireless efforts in promoting healthcare policies and initiatives that prioritize the well-being of Nigerians.

While receiving the award in Abuja on Tuesday, Senator Banigo, attributed this progress to the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritized healthcare reforms with a focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

According to the Harvard-trained public health physician, a nation cannot over-emphasize the importance of improved efficiency and; sustained quality of care for all our citizens.

Senator Banigo stated that investing in the health workforce and strengthening disease surveillance systems will help to protect the nation from the constant risk of the emergence of pandemics.

“I want to thank the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas for conveying this event on “One Vision, One Future: Uniting Stakeholders for a Healthier Nigeria” in collaboration with Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and other partners. This Strategic Health Summit is taking place at a strategic time.

The former Deputy Governor added that the Nation has witnessed a renewed focus on maternal health with increased investment in efforts targeting vulnerable groups.

“I must mention that various arms of government have made concerted efforts to mobilize and allocate more resources for health.

“While the health committees of the National Assembly have driven the allocation of domestic resources through the Appropriation Acts, the Executive arm has continued to mobilize additional resources through the sector-wide approach.

“We have also seen a growing commitment to partnerships and collaborations. Government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector are working more closely together than ever before, pooling resources and expertise to maximise impact. This collaborative spirit is crucial for sustainable progress”.

However, Senator Banigo noted that despite progress, significant work remains, particularly in addressing the burden of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

“We must have local solutions that will drive the cost of the quality of pharmaceuticals, downwards”

Meanwhile, she assured her that the health committees of the 10th National Assembly will continue to support entities working towards a healthier Nigeria.

“We are committed to the need for a collective commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Nigerians, leaving no one behind.

“Recent changes in the global health financing landscape imply that we have to look inwards to allocate resources to bridge the gaps” Senator Banigo emphasized.