Availability of data in Health sector is essential for making informed decisions, says Ali Pate

Ayo AdemolaMay 1, 2024

1 minute read

Kunle Sanni

The Minister of Health, Ali Pate, has said the availability of relevant data and information is essential for making informed decisions, particularly in public health planning and service delivery for key targets of President Bola Tinubu “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He said this on Tuesday during the launch of the last National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey conducted in 2001. The minister said there was a need to provide truthful data on the current status and dietary patterns of the Nigerian population.

Pate said, “Today, I had the privilege of launching the 2021 National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey, which provides updated data crucial for evidence-based decision-making in food, nutrition, and agriculture programming in our country.

“Nigeria is experiencing significant transitions, from political changes to shifts in our demographic, socioeconomic, epidemiological, and nutritional landscapes. Establishing a centralized, digitized, interoperable, and accurate “single source of truth” data system will be pivotal in adapting our policies to these evolving challenges.

“I extend my gratitude to the Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of National Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security @sabialiyu_, the FCT Minister @GovWike, senior government officials, and my colleagues from the Ministry of Health @Fmohnigeria. Also, we appreciate our development partners, civil society, traditional and faith leaders, and other stakeholders for their relentless dedication and effort towards this pivotal project.

“This report marks a shift from faith-based to evidence-based policymaking, which will enhance nutritional outcomes. I urge all federal and sub-national governments, along with our partners, to conduct mini-launches in each state. This will help tailor the data and strategies to local contexts, thereby expanding nutritional education and diversifying diets.”