Oyo health commissioner seeks accountability, insurance to improve public health
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has called for stronger accountability and health insurance coverage to address major challenges confronting Nigeria’s public health system.
Ajetunmobi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the seventh International Public Health Conference organised by the Association for Public Health Teaching, Research and Service (APHTReS) in collaboration with McPherson University, Ogun State.
Speaking on “Strengthening Public Health Systems: Accountability, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships in Nigeria,” she identified high maternal and child mortality, fragmented health programmes and heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments as key challenges requiring sustained attention.
She advocated greater emphasis on measurable health outcomes, integrated primary health care and financial protection through health insurance as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and advance universal health coverage.
The commissioner also identified performance-based accountability, problem-driven innovation and strategic partnerships as three key pillars for strengthening public health systems and achieving long-term health security.
Similarly, Professor Paul Barach of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, United States, called for accountable and safe public health systems, stressing teamwork, continuous quality improvement and effective integration of artificial intelligence.
The conference, themed “Social Accountability, Accreditation and Quality Processes in Public Health Practice,” also featured experts including Dr. Olubunmi Ojelade of Sonder Collective, Finland; Chinedu C. Arinze of Pple Tech, Nigeria; and Pauline Krolinski, global health adviser at GIZ, Germany.
Among the notable guests was the Vice Chancellor of McPherson University, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, who was represented by the Registrar, Mrs. Emi’ Alawode, alongside other principal officers. APHTReS commended the university management for providing the venue and support that contributed to the successful hosting of the conference.
