FG urges Nigerians to embrace preventive healthcare, early disease detection
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their health through preventive healthcare, early detection of diseases, healthy lifestyles and timely access to quality medical services.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the 2026 National Health Promotion Day, themed “Health Promotion: Owning My Health”, with the slogan, “Take Charge, Live Well”. He was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom.
Pate described health promotion as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s health system, stressing that national health outcomes depend not only on hospital services but also on preventive interventions, informed personal choices and healthier environments.
Citing the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the minister said under-five mortality declined from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024. However, neonatal mortality increased from 39 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births within the same period, underscoring the need to strengthen preventive care, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
He pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which prioritises maternal and child health, stronger primary healthcare, expanded immunisation, the prevention of non-communicable diseases and efforts to reduce HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. He also highlighted interventions in hypertension screening, hepatitis elimination, cervical cancer prevention and improved nutrition.
The minister called for stronger collaboration among families, schools, workplaces, traditional and religious institutions, the media, civil society organisations and development partners to promote healthy diets, physical activity, good hygiene, mental wellbeing, vaccination and appropriate screening while tackling misinformation and harmful health practices.
Development partners and civil society organisations restated their support for the ministry’s health promotion efforts. The United Nations Population Fund representative, Dr Olukunle Omotoso, stressed community engagement, health literacy, gender equality and access to sexual and reproductive health services, while CARE International, through its representative, Oluloto Ebenezer, pledged continued support for community-level behaviour change initiatives.
The ministry urged Nigerians to embrace the campaign slogan, “Take Charge, Live Well”, by seeking credible health information, participating in recommended screening and immunisation, and seeking medical attention promptly when necessary.
