FG Launches National Self-Care Day, Urges Nigerians to Prioritize Personal Health<\/p>\n
The Federal Government has commemorated Nigeria\u2019s maiden National Self-Care Day, calling on citizens to take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing through daily personal practices.<\/p>\n
At the Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare emphasized that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity in Nigeria’s push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), according to Alaba Balogun, the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations<\/p>\n
With the theme \u201cSelf-care: Empowering Individuals, Families and Communities for Universal Health Coverage\u201d and the slogan \u201cPrevent, Protect, Empower,\u201d the Coordinating Minister noted that promoting self-care will not only ease the burden on the health system but also empower Nigerians to take control of their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Represented by Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, Director Food & Drugs Services Department of the Ministry, Prof. Pate highlighted that
\n\u201cSelf-care is more than taking medication or eating healthy; it is the intentional choices we make every day to protect, preserve, and promote our physical, mental, emotional, and social health”.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo institutionalize this approach, the government unveiled two key policy documents: the National Guidelines on Self-care for Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health and the Demand Generation Strategy for promoting self-care practices, particularly in underserved areas.”<\/p>\n
\u201cObserved globally on July 24, International Self-Care Day is marked as a reminder that caring for one’s health should be a continuous practice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nigeria\u2019s adoption of this day reflects a growing recognition that proactive, community-based health practices are essential to national wellbeing,\u201d the coordinating minister said<\/p>\n
He stressed that transforming Nigeria\u2019s health outcomes cannot rely solely on clinics and hospitals, but must involve empowering citizens to make daily healthy choices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe power to transform health outcomes rests not only in our clinics and hospitals but in our homes, our schools, our communities, and in each of us,\u201d Prof Pate stated.<\/p>\n
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health Department in the Ministry, reinforced the importance of prevention, protection, and empowerment as pillars of Nigeria\u2019s evolving health agenda.<\/p>\n
\u201cHealthcare is not just about treatment; it is about prevention, safeguarding lives, and giving people the tools to make informed choices,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
He called on civil society organisations, the private sector, and development partners to support efforts in building a self-care culture across all demographics.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot do this alone,\u201d Dr. Ukaire emphasized. \u201cPartnership is essential to building a healthier, more self-aware Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his goodwill messages, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director\/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) who was represented by Aisha Ibrahim Jalingo said:\u201cWe are pleased and honoured to participate in this special Memory Booth celebration in commemoration of National Self-Care Day. This day highlights the transformative power of self-care in promoting universal health coverage and achieving our collective development goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy prioritizing self-care, individuals are empowered to take charge of their health, prevent illness, and enhance their overall well-being. Self-care is not only a personal responsibility, it is a strategic pillar for strengthening our health systems and building resilient communities.<\/p>\n
On behalf of Dr. Muyi Aina and the entire NPHCDA, we reaffirm our commitment to integrating self-care into primary health care delivery, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the tools, knowledge, and support needed to manage their health effectively.<\/p>\n
Dr. Alex Garasira, Acting WHO Country Representative, emphasized the growing relevance of self-care in the face of healthcare workforce shortages and limited access to essential services in Nigeria and across the African region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith millions in the African region, including Nigeria, lacking access to essential health services and a global shortage of healthcare workers, self-care interventions have the potential to significantly transform how people manage their health and well-being,\u201d Dr. Garasira said.<\/p>\n
WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria in integrating self-care into routine health services.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur progress will be accelerated through collective efforts. Working together, we can build a safer, healthier world for all of us,\u201d Dr. Garasira affirmed<\/p>\n
As Nigeria marks its first National Self-Care Day, officials and stakeholders hope the initiative will foster a shift toward more responsible, informed, and proactive health behaviour at both individual and community levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FG Launches National Self-Care Day, Urges Nigerians to Prioritize Personal Health The Federal Government has commemorated Nigeria\u2019s maiden National Self-Care Day, calling on citizens to take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing through daily personal practices. At the Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health & Social […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":147350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[356,18,20],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-147349","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health","8":"category-news","9":"category-the-nation"},"yoast_head":"\n