Nigeria's Health Minister Salako Promotes Self-Care Initiative

The federal government of Nigeria is set to integrate evidence-based self-care into primary healthcare to alleviate hospital congestion, strengthen disease prevention, and promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during the inaugural Nigeria National Self-Care Conference at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites (NACCAS).

The conference, organized by the National Self-Care Coordination Committee (NSCC), focused on the theme: “Self-Care Puts Your Health in Your Hands: Test. Track.

Thrive.” Salako, appointed as National Self-Care Ambassador at the event, emphasized that self-care empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage their health. He clarified that self-care complements, rather than replaces, professional healthcare.

Salako's research indicates that electronic self-management education supports self-care in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. He also stressed the importance of self-care in preventing infectious diseases, particularly in light of a reported Ebola case in Abuja.