“The President/Governor/Minister/Senator/Chief/ etc has called for XYZ…to do XYZ”
No critical questioning about the issues. No historical perspective, no context, no questions. This is moreso when there is a new appointee doing his round of familiarisation visits.
Here are a few reports from the first few weeks of our new Minister of Health
Professor Babatunde Osotimehin.
Health Minister Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, yesterday unveiled his ‘Strategic Agenda for Health,’ which he said is aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the Nigerian health system, and to lay a foundation for a sustained reform of the system, in line with current and emerging challenges.…details in the Champion
…calls for the State,Local Government and other Health stakeholders to work together with theFederal Ministry of Health to ensure that the health indices in the country is improved. details at NPR
…
tasks health professionals on work ethics. details in VanguardLots of promises my people…lots of promises…
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has…Margaret Mead
Many thanks for your updates.
BMJ West africa is seeking audience with our new Minister of Health to acquint him with its adapted and piloted Clincal Governance initiative which succesfully reduced sero-prevalence of HIV / AIDS from 12% in 2003 to 6.1% in 2006; increased routine immunisation coverage from 20% in 2003 to 84% in 2007; sustained the eradication of wild polio virus from 2004 to 2008; elevated the Roll Back Malaria programme in the state to the best in the country between 2004 and 2007; improved recruitment and retention of staff by improving the terms & conditions of health personnel; and attracted the maximum political will and support from the state Governor in the 4-years of the pilot ( July 2004-June 2008) in Cross River State.
We believe that this home-grown initiative can work in other states in the country and indeed in the sub-region because the challenges are the same or similar in most respects.
Joseph Ana
Mentor & Lead Consultant Trainer,
BMJ West Africa Group.