Abuja: Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has called for the development of health policies that are rooted in the day-to-day realities and voices of Nigerian communities. Pate, represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, the Director of Port Health Services in the ministry, made this appeal during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Dr. Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this approach stands in contrast to top-down strategies that often fail to address the specific needs of the population. Pate emphasized that Nigeria’s health sector reforms would only succeed if policies were designed to reflect the needs, values, and experiences of people at the grassroots level. He highlighted that policy design would not succeed unless it resonated within communities and various public spaces.
The minister stressed the importance of including the voices of youth, women, and marginalized groups in national conversations on public health. He noted that inclusion was not just about fairness but also about effectiveness. Pate commended DRASA Health Trust for its contribution to Nigeria’s public health system, describing the organization as a model for community-driven action and partnership.
He acknowledged that DRASA has worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to promote hygiene practices, community surveillance, and public awareness on disease prevention. The government plans to continue partnering with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s health security architecture. Pate emphasized that health security is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians and warned against complacency.
The minister announced plans to scale up community-based health education and train 50,000 additional health workers in collaboration with DRASA and other partners. This initiative aims to improve hygiene, infection prevention, and build a new generation of health champions across the country. He also called on media, business leaders, and community influencers to support efforts promoting accurate information, local innovation, and accountability in the health sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that in July 2014, Dr. Adadevoh’s decisive actions during the Ebola outbreak prevented a nationwide crisis. Her legacy continues through DRASA’s efforts, which have trained thousands of health workers and supported Nigeria’s readiness for disease outbreaks. DRASA’s model aligns with the global ‘One Health’ approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Its success demonstrates the importance of empowering local professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to avert health crises.
Through initiatives like Young Professionals and DRASA Health Ambassadors, the organization has inspired a new generation to champion health security and responsible behavior in schools and communities. The ongoing aim is to ensure preparedness is integrated into everyday healthcare delivery, not just in times of crisis.