By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale
The Director General of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, has warned the world of the transboundary nature of diseases and infections even as she said the current global outbreak of diseases like Ebola, Zika and Yellow Fever has revealed a dramatic resurgence of new threats from emerging and reemerging infectious diseases the world is not prepared to cope with.

Giving the warning in her address at the ongoing 69th World Health Assembly, WHA, in Geneva, Chan said good health is key to the attainment of any developmental efforts.

“Given what we face right now and the next surprises that are sure to come, the item on your agenda with the most sweeping consequences, for a danger that can quickly sweep around the world, is the one on the reform of WHO’s work in health emergency management.”

Highlighting the “slow motion” disasters of a changing climate, antimicrobial resistance and the rise of chronic noncommunicable diseases like cancer, heart and lung disease, and diabetes, Chan said:

“Unchecked, these slow-motion disasters will eventually reach a tipping point where the harm done is irreversible. The 2030 agenda for sustainable development, however, aims to avert such disasters, inspiring “optimism and hope”.

Chan explained emphasized that health plays a central role of health in the new agenda, and that universal health coverage will be key to achieving health-related targets, adding that

“Universal health coverage is the target that underpins all others. It is the ultimate expression of fairness that leaves no one behind.”

“In the final analysis, the ultimate objective of all developmental activities, whether concerning the design of urban environments or the provision of modern energy to rural areas, is to sustain lives in good health.”

She called on nations to adopt the Universal Health Coverage, UHC, which she described as the target that underpins all others. “It is the ultimate expression of fairness that leaves no one behind. It also has the best chance of meeting people’s expectations for comprehensive care that does not drive them below poverty line.” she said.

This underscores the need for nations to work together to address those health issues posing threat to global health in an interconnected world characterized by profound mobility of people and goods.

“In the face of this, I welcome current joint external evaluations that are looking at preparedness and response capacities in several countries. The evaluations need to continue with the utmost urgency as a tool under WHO authority and coordination.” She added.

Speaking, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in a statement at the second plenary session on Monday, noted that in line with the current global direction, the country has articulated a “Change Agenda for Health” geared towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, UHC, through the Primary Health Care, PHC. This, according to him will guarantee access to effective and qualitative healthcare by about 100million Nigerians.

Nigerian Health Minister said, “As part of this Change Agenda, Nigeria has also recognized the potential of the health sector to reduce poverty, promote rapid socio-economic development and shared prosperity with its catalytic effect on individual productivity and that relevant process to harness this are being articulated.”