Nigeria, China must strengthen pandemic preparedness, says health minister
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziak Adekunle Salako, has called for stronger global cooperation and improved funding for public health systems to enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
Salako made the call on Monday in Abuja at a public health symposium titled “Lessons on Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Insights from China and Nigeria,” where he stressed that the world must remain vigilant following the COVID-19 experience.
He warned that pandemics remain among the most disruptive threats to humanity and require coordinated and equitable global responses to prevent a repeat of the devastating impact witnessed between 2020 and 2023.
According to the minister, the COVID-19 pandemic, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates claimed over seven million lives globally, exposed weaknesses in health systems while also demonstrating the importance of international collaboration and innovation.
He noted that although Nigeria faced significant health and economic challenges during the pandemic, the country’s response was considered relatively effective despite structural weaknesses in the health sector.
Salako attributed Nigeria’s response to coordinated national efforts, strong leadership, support from development partners, and innovative emergency measures.
The minister also highlighted China’s response to COVID-19, noting that the country was recognised for its rapid response mechanisms, technological deployment, and community mobilisation, adding that both countries have important lessons to share in strengthening global pandemic response systems.
Speaking on Nigeria’s health security efforts, Salako said the country has made progress in strengthening disease surveillance and response systems since the COVID-19 outbreak.
