The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, has urged leaders of faith-based institutions to always counsel political leaders on transparency.
Abubakar made the plea yesterday in Abuja at the Bi-Annual Review Meeting of Religious Leaders on Primary Health Care Delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
The Sultan said it was important for clerics to be honest and transparent when engaging political leaders.
“Religious leaders often hold positions of influence and can have a significant impact on society.
“By advocating for truthfulness and transparency, they can promote ethical governance and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities.
“Effective communication between religious and political leaders can foster understanding, collaboration and the pursuit of common goals.
“When religious leaders convey the truth to political leaders, they can help ensure that decisions and policies are based on accurate information and align with moral and ethical principles,” he said.
The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Archbishop Daniel Okoh, pledged to engage in more collaboration with NPHCDA to improve access to health care, particularly in rural areas.
Okoh, who acknowledged the key role clerics play in advocacy and sensitisation, said political leaders must be held to account in order to improve the country’s health care system.
The coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, commended the contribution by the faith community to healthcare delivery in the country.
The minister stressed the importance of partnership between the government and the faith community.
Pate, who drew attention to the constantly evolving nature of the medical field, said there was need for regular collaboration between healthcare providers and clerics.
“By coming together, sharing knowledge and staying informed about current developments, we can ensure that world-class and standard healthcare services are provided to Nigerians,” he said.
The executive director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, called on clerics to join in the efforts to bolster primary healthcare and holistic well-being of the nation.
“The focus of this particular meeting is on preventing cervical cancer through the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine,” he said.
He urged leaders of faith-based institutions to endorse and advocate vaccination within their congregations.
The NPHCDA boss emphasised the power of unity and collective action in promoting health and well-being.
He said by working together, clerics and healthcare providers could make significant impact on the health and well-being of the nation.
NAN reports that the meeting had in attendance leaders of faith-based institutions, health development partners and top management members of staff in the health ministry and NPHCDA.
The meeting was to enhance clerics’ understanding of immunisation and other PHC programmes as well as raise awareness about the benefits of immunisation. (NAN)
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