By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its fourth Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS).
CCS is a medium -term strategic framework for WHO’s technical cooperation with a given Member State.
WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo announced the development on Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Policy Dialogue and Town Hall meeting in commemoration of this year’s World Health Day in Abuja.
The CCS in addition to other functions form the basis for programme budget and operational planning and also facilitates coordination with the United Nations Country Teams and other partners.
According to Mulombo, the fourth CCS strategic priority will include to;
“Advance PHC approach and essential health systems capacities for equity and gender equality across all levels to progress Universal Health Coverage.
“Improve Equity’ and quality in health system coverage and financial protection through support to the delivery of integrated people centered health services across the life- course.
“Address root causes of ill health including determinants and risk factors to tackle the rising burden of NCDs, mental health, violence and injuries.
“Build institutional capacities for research, local production of health products, information and data systems, and use of digital technologies for health.
“Prevent, mitigate and prepare for emerging risks to health and rapidly detect and sustain an effective response to all emergencies including humanitarian crisis, climate threats, antimicrobial resistance, and other environmental health hazards”.
He informed that the CCS was co-created under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with all the partners including CSOs to provide support towards implementation of the Nigeria Health Renewal Investment Program.
He further promised that, “WHO will continue to work with the Government and NGOs to ensure that together, we can promote health, provide health and protect the health of all Nigerians for greater economic development”.
The first WHO Nigeria CCS was developed in 2000 and the fourth being launched had been developed to cover 2023 to 2027.
