Nigeria Advocates for Global Pandemic Equity at UN Meeting

Nigeria has urged the international community for greater equity in global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response during a High-Level Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made this call on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He welcomed the adoption of a political declaration from the meeting, emphasizing that effective pandemic preparedness relies on robust public health systems. Salako noted Nigeria's advancements in health security, including improved digital surveillance and a public health laboratory network covering all 36 states.

He reported an increase in Nigeria's Joint External Evaluation score for health security from 39% in 2017 to 54% in 2023. Salako outlined five national priorities for enhancing pandemic preparedness, including strengthening governance, focusing on prevention, and promoting equitable access to resources.

He also mentioned the World Bank's $250 million Health Security Programme supporting health security capacities in Nigeria.