Laraba MUREY
Nigeria has declared its support for the African Union’s plan to deploy two million community health workers across the continent.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known at an AU health meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Information & Public Relations of the ministry, Alaba Balogun, explained that the move will bring healthcare closer to people in towns and villages.
According to the statement, “In August this year, Nigeria hosted the validation of the 2024 community health landscape survey titled Shaping the CHW Strategy, Scorecard and Strategic Action, which was endorsed by member countries for CHW institutionalization, governance, financing, and policy guidance. The speed with which this document has moved to high-level dialogue shows our collective seriousness and commitment.”‘
Salako added that community health workers are key to stopping diseases early, helping mothers and children, and strengthening health systems.
“We must expand training facilities, professionalize their work, create career progression pathways, and fully integrate them into our health systems,” he said.
He urged governments and partners to turn promises into real results, saying: “The future of community health in Africa depends on our shared resolve, collaboration, and action.”
The minister also praised the AU Commission, Africa CDC, UNICEF, and other development partners for their support and called for fast, practical steps to train and fund the new workforce.
