Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mariam Ileyemi
Published on 2024-02-20 19:30:01
On February 15, President Bola Tibunu made an announcement regarding the appointment of key executive officers and board chairpersons for major health agencies in Nigeria. This included positions at the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The president emphasized the importance of delivering affordable and high-quality healthcare to all Nigerians through governance and regulatory frameworks that align with international best practices.
Moji Adeyeye, Ibrahim Ahmed, and Tosan Erhabor were reappointed as the heads of NAFDAC, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), and Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) respectively. However, it was not clear if Mrs. Adeyeye, who had previously been reappointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in December 2022, would continue her ongoing five-year second term or if a fresh second term had commenced with the new announcement by President Tibunu.
In addition to the reappointments, several new health practitioners were appointed to lead major health agencies in the country. This came against the backdrop of challenges such as brain drain, inadequate health funding, and a shortage of drug supply.
One notable new leader is Olajide Idris, who assumed the role of DG of NCDC on February 15. Idris is a seasoned medical practitioner with over 30 years of experience in Medical Practice, Healthcare Systems Management, Consulting, Pharmaceutical, and Research. He received an MBBS degree from the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) and a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from Yale University. He held key positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Commissioner for Health in Lagos State. Idris played a crucial role in the state’s response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, earning global accolades for his leadership and the cooperative response from Nigeria’s citizens during that time.
Another appointee is Fatima Kyari, the new CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Kyari is a renowned ophthalmologist, fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Medicine (FNAMed), and holds an MBBS degree and a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from the University of London’s School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Also among the new appointees is Abba Zubairu, who now serves as the board chairperson of the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC). Zubairu previously held the position of Medical Director at the Mayo Clinic in the United States of America and has extensive medical experience and expertise, including a Master’s degree in Clinical Science from Harvard Medical School.
President Tibunu’s announcement of these new appointments reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the leadership of major health agencies in Nigeria. It also underscores the significance of prioritizing high-quality healthcare that is accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. As these new leaders assume their roles, they are poised to face a range of health challenges while working towards achieving the country’s public health goals.
Read the original article on Premium Times
