WHO Urges For Investment Increase In Human Resources For Health

Aiming to ensure optimal performance among highly motivated health workers in Nigeria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for greater investment in human resources for health. This includes increasing pre-service training and implementing strategies to attract and retain highly motivated health workers.

WHO country representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, made the call at a press conference in celebration of WHO@75 and commemoration of the 2023 World Health Day, in Abuja.

Mulombo, however, said that the global health body has been supporting the government across all levels to build the capacity of health workers towards improved health resources and services.

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He also said that the organisation has continued to support the protracted humanitarian crisis in the northeast region of Nigeria since 2016 while urging that national health strategies should position primary health care as the entry point into a health system which not only treats ill health but also prevents illness and promotes good health.

On Universal Health Coverage, he said “WHO and partners made relentless efforts for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Bill to be signed into law in May 2022.

He added that the Bill makes health insurance mandatory for all citizens and legal residents. “The law creates a mechanism to finance health service delivery for the poor and vulnerable.

“WHO has been supporting the government across all levels to build the capacity of health workers to improve health resources and services provided in the country.”