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By Sodiq Adebara
Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal health coverage through strengthened collaboration and sustained investment in the health sector.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Hameed Amina El-Imam, made this known during a press conference held at the State Ministry of Health to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.
She described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on progress made and reinforce partnerships aimed at improving public health outcomes across the state.
Dr. El-Imam attributed recent gains in the health sector to the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting that consistent investment and collaboration with development partners have enhanced healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Citing the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the Commissioner said Kwara recorded one of the lowest under-five mortality rates in the country at 14 deaths per 1,000 live births.
She added that the state has also achieved high immunisation coverage and improved maternal health indicators, with antenatal care attendance at 96.8 percent and facility-based deliveries at 77.6 percent.
She noted that Kwara currently ranks among states with strong health indices nationwide.
Dr. El-Imam further described the upgrade of the General Hospital, Ilorin, to a teaching hospital as a major milestone expected to boost service delivery, manpower development, and research capacity.
She urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles and support government initiatives, while calling on health workers to remain dedicated to providing quality care.
The Commissioner also appealed to researchers, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media to deepen collaboration and promote accurate health information.
According to her, the 2026 theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” highlights the importance of science, innovation, and partnerships in protecting the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, in line with the One Health approach.
In his message, the World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, called on African governments to prioritise investment in science, research, and innovation to achieve health security and sustainable development.
Dr. Janabi emphasised that scientific advancement has significantly improved health outcomes across the continent, citing the rapid development of Ebola vaccines in West and Central Africa, as well as genomic surveillance in South Africa that enabled early detection of COVID-19 variants.
He added that innovations such as expanded immunisation programmes, effective HIV management through antiretroviral therapy, and improved maternal and child healthcare have contributed to reduced mortality rates.
The WHO Regional Director advocated the adoption of the One Health approach, which promotes coordinated action across sectors to address health challenges affecting humans, animals, and the environment.
