Orixine Consulting was among the key participants at the Citizen-Led Policy Dialogue
for Health Security Legislation and Financing held on the 13 th of October 2024 in Abuja
Nigeria, This meeting convened representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health,
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Budget Office, U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (USCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and civil society
organizations (CSOs). The dialogue focused on advancing Nigeria’s health security
framework through robust legislation, sustainable financing, and improved accountability
mechanisms.
Dr. Mohammed Lecky, Chairperson of the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC),
delivered the welcome address, highlighting the immense strain on Nigeria’s health
systems caused by terrorism, natural disasters like recent flooding, and five ongoing
disease outbreaks. He emphasized the critical need for a structured approach to health
emergencies, supported by robust legislation aligned with the National Action Plan
framework. “We cannot rely on ad hoc responses to health emergencies. A credible
response framework is essential for both national security and public health,” Lecky
stated.
Discussions centered on key legislative reforms, including the NCDC Act, the Public
Health Security Bill, and the National Health Act Amendment Bill. Keynote speakers
such as Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate (represented by Nneka Orji) and Barr. Eze
Onyekpere stressed the importance of updated health laws to ensure accountability,
enhance epidemic preparedness, and improve coordination across levels of
government.
Panel discussions explored critical gaps in financing, balancing emergency
preparedness with human rights, and the feasibility of establishing state-level Centers
for Disease Control (CDCs). The dialogue also identified actionable opportunities for
advancing health security reforms, including leveraging legislative momentum and
fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health security
through comprehensive reforms, prioritizing domestic resource mobilization, and
enhancing coordination across sectors.
Orixine Consulting is proud to have participated in this essential dialogue, which aligns
with our mission of strengthening health security through the development and
implementation of robust legal frameworks.