Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the church to take a leading role in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Health Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, Jonathan, represented by the former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, emphasized the church’s historical contributions to the health and education sectors.
Reflecting on the 2014 Ebola crisis, Jonathan lauded the sacrifices of healthcare workers, such as Dr. Stella Adadevoh, who lost their lives while fighting the outbreak. He also highlighted the National Health Act signed into law during his administration, noting its significant impact on healthcare access for millions of Nigerians.
He stated, “The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights.
“Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes.”
According to him, despite the progress, gaps remain, therefore calling “on the Anglican Church to spearhead health insurance enrollment and bridge disparities in healthcare access.”
He further called on faith-based organizations to use their influence to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and to form partnerships with the government and private sector.
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“The church must harness its platforms and resources to lead a transformative health initiative that ensures no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for quality, affordable healthcare,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the summit aims to assess the church’s historical contributions to healthcare, develop strategies for improvement, and establish a comprehensive health policy.
NAN
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