'Pate's global honour validates Nigeria's health vision'
The recent recognition of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential figures in global health is clear reflection of the country’s growing visibility in international health leadership, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAfrica, have said.
According to them, the honour also aligns with the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to implement transformative, life-enhancing reforms across key sectors, particularly in healthcare.
They noted that the Time recognition serves as a testament to Pate’s unwavering commitment to building a healthier Nigeria and his impactful contributions to global health system reforms.
Umenwa, sponsor of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), and Ilobanafor, initiator of the competition powered by Coastal Forte Softgel, described Pate’s recognition as both timely and well-deserved.
Through the GHC initiative, the duo is promoting malaria prevention and control awareness among secondary and tertiary school students across the country.
“We are proud to congratulate you on this prestigious recognition. It symbolizes the profound impact you have made in shaping healthcare policies and outcomes, both in Nigeria and around the world,” the statement read.
They lauded the Minister’s significant contributions to strengthening primary healthcare and revitalizing frontline health facilities, especially through the expansion of Nigeria’s community health workforce, a critical move towards improving maternal, newborn, and child health services.
“Your steadfast commitment to health equity and strengthening healthcare systems is commendable,” they noted, praising his vision and leadership style.
The statement also highlighted Pate’s role in advancing Nigeria’s malaria response, especially with the introduction of malaria vaccines, an intervention the GHC sponsors described as strategic and vital, given that malaria accounts for nearly 65 percent of clinical visits in the country.
Furthermore, Umenwa and Ilobanafor acknowledged Pate’s success in fostering collaboration among government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and development partners, saying this inclusive approach has enhanced transparency, attracted investment, and built trust in Nigeria’s healthcare space.
They also praised the Minister’s dedication to pharmaceutical development, particularly his advocacy for local drug manufacturing.
This, they said, represents a transformative shift capable of boosting Nigeria’s health sovereignty and strengthening its pharmaceutical value chain.
However, while commending Pate’s strides, the GHC sponsors also called attention to lingering tensions within the health sector, urging him to show leadership by fostering inclusive dialogue and ensuring equitable treatment for all categories of health professionals.
“As a global health leader, we trust you to uphold the rule of law and ensure that all healthcare workers enjoy the benefits and privileges they deserve.
“Your moral integrity, vision, and empathy must continue to guide your leadership as you navigate the complex terrain of healthcare reform,” they said.
They also emphasized the importance of interprofessional collaboration, encouraging the Minister to continue promoting team-based approaches that have proven effective in health systems worldwide.
“Despite the enormity of Nigeria’s health challenges, we believe you are well-positioned to drive sustainable solutions that strengthen cooperation across all health cadres,” they noted.
Reaffirming their commitment to supporting the federal government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), they pledged to work closely with the Minister and other stakeholders to deliver better health outcomes for all Nigerians.
