The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their health through preventive healthcare, early detection of diseases, healthy lifestyles and timely access to quality medical services.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, made the call in his keynote address at the commemoration of the 2026 National Health Promotion Day, themed “Health Promotion: Owning My Health,” with the slogan, “Take Charge, Live Well.”
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Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S. mni, Professor Pate described health promotion as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s health system, stressing that the health of the nation depends not only on the availability of hospital services but also on preventive interventions, informed individual choices, healthier environments and systems that support the wellbeing of citizens.
Citing the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the Coordinating Minister noted that under-five mortality declined from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024. However, he expressed concern that neonatal mortality increased from 39 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births within the same period, underscoring the need to accelerate preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and timely access to quality services.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, with priorities that include improving maternal and child health, strengthening primary healthcare, expanding immunisation, tackling non-communicable diseases and reducing the burden of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
According to the Minister, ongoing preventive health interventions include hypertension detection, hepatitis elimination through initiatives such as Project 365, cervical cancer prevention and screening, improved nutrition, immunisation and measures to prevent and control communicable diseases. He emphasised the importance of measuring the impact of these interventions through outcomes such as increased screening, completed referrals, access to treatment and the prevention of avoidable illnesses.
Professor Pate stressed that health promotion must be matched by accessible, affordable and effective healthcare services, noting that public awareness alone cannot achieve the desired outcomes if people are unable to access screening, obtain appropriate treatment or receive safe and respectful care, adding that health promotion and patient safety are complementary responsibilities in building a people-centred health system.
The Coordinating Minister called for stronger collaboration among families, schools, workplaces, traditional and religious institutions, the media, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to promote healthy diets, physical activity, good hygiene, mental wellbeing, vaccination and appropriate screening, while addressing misinformation and harmful health practices.
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He further urged all levels of government to integrate health promotion into routine primary healthcare, community engagement and development planning, ensuring that vulnerable and underserved populations are not left behind.
As Nigeria marks the third National Health Promotion Day, Professor Pate urged citizens to embrace the campaign slogan, “Take Charge, Live Well,” by seeking credible health information, understanding their health risks, participating in recommended screening and immunisation, and seeking medical attention promptly when necessary.
He also called on health workers, community leaders, educators, the media and other stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to preventive healthcare, noting that the success of health promotion must ultimately be measured by lives protected, illnesses prevented and improvements in the health outcomes of Nigerians.
In their goodwill messages, development partners and civil society organisations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in advancing health promotion, commending the Ministry for institutionalizing the Health Promotion Day.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, Dr. Olukunle Omotoso, emphasised the importance of community engagement, health literacy, gender equality and access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for women and young people.
Through its representative Oluloto Ebenezer, CARE International also pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at changing health-related behaviour at the community level.
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Other stakeholders and partners, including the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), highlighted the importance of family planning, healthy nutrition and routine screening for hypertension and diabetes.
The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom S. mni encouraged participants at the evet to take advantage of screening services provided at the venue as part of efforts to promote early detection and encourage Nigerians to take charge of their health.