Prosper Okoye
The Federal government on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to ensuring all citizens have access to affordable and efficient healthcare, as the country joined the rest of the world to mark World Health Day.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the pledge in Abuja after a health walk organised to commemorate the day.
He said the federal government has introduced several programmes aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We remain committed to ensuring that all Nigerians can access affordable and efficient healthcare,” Salako said.
Also speaking at the event, Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organization’s representative in Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the day, noting it coincides with the founding of the World Health Organization on April 7, 1946.
Ursu said this year’s theme focuses on the role of science in improving health outcomes.
“Today, we celebrate not only World Health Day, but also major achievements in human health grounded in science,” he said. “The 2026 theme emphasises that we stand for health and we stand for science.”
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He said the day began with a health walk, stressing that regular physical activity contributes to both physical and mental well-being.
“There is strong scientific evidence that at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily improves health,” Ursu said.
He also urged Nigerians to be cautious about the health information they consume, warning that misinformation can be harmful.
“In today’s world, health information can be confusing, coming from many sources that are not always evidence-based,” he said. “People should ensure that advice comes from trusted sources and follow scientific guidance, which is life-saving.”
Ursu added that health remains central to human development and called for continued reliance on science to improve outcomes and save lives.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
