Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, on Tuesday urged governments at all levels to invest in strengthening the public health system to make it more resilient in dealing with health crises like COVID-19 pandemic.
Balarabe made the call during the 2021 Faculty Day Lecture of the Faculty of Public Health and Community Medicine of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria held at Kaduna State University(KASU) Tuesday in Kaduna.
Balarabe said that the COVID – 19 pandemic in 2020, had exposed the weakness of the Nigerian health system in dealing with health crisis of the magnitude of the pandemic.
According to her, the pandemic is the worst public health emergency in recent times and the effects have devasted the world economy.
The Deputy Governor , who was the host of the Faculty Day Lecture, said that the pandemic threatened public life and put health systems of countries under great pressure, saying the fallout had adversely affected the world economy.
“Pushed by the urgency to protect public health and safeguard wellbeing of their citizens, governments across the globe responded by shutting down their economies.
“This led to economic downturn, job losses and reduction in government revenues.
“The effects have been devastating in Kaduna state, which recorded the third highest number of cases in the country, and one of the first to invoke the public health laws and institute lockdown orders,’’ she recalled.
She commended the Faculty of Public Health and Community Medicine for the choice of the theme, “Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 on the Community and Mitigating Efforts”.
According to the Deputy Governor, the theme is very relevant in view of the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy, and the need to explore ways to mitigate those impacts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award to Balarabe, herself a Medical Doctor, in recognition of her contribution to the health sector of the country.
Presenting the award, former Registrar and Senior Fellow, Professor Olanipekun Alausa, said the Faculty was proud of her contributions to the health sector, and for exhibiting sterling leadership qualities as the Deputy Governor of Kaduna state..(NAN)
