Coordinating Ministers Of Health And Social Welfare In Nigeria (1957-Present)
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria leads a ministry that was set up in 1957. This ministry was created to oversee health policies and programs in Nigeria.
It was established by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was the Prime Minister at that time. The goal was to improve health services and tackle public health issues in the country.
Looking back, the ministry has grown and now covers many areas related to health and social welfare. The ministry also manages public health emergencies, supports health education, and works with international health organizations to improve health conditions in Nigeria.
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Coordinating Ministers Of Health And Social Welfare
| No | Minister | Term |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayotunde Rosiji | 1957 to 1959 |
| 2 | Waziri Ibrahim | 1959 to 1964 |
| 3 | Moses Majekodunmi | 1964 to 1966 |
| 4 | Joseph Adetoro | 1967 to 1971 |
| 5 | Josiah Okezie | 1971 to 1972 |
| 6 | Aminu Kano | 1972 to 1974 |
| 7 | Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye | 1974 to 1979 |
| 8 | Daniel Ugwu | 1979 to 1983 |
| 9 | Vice Admiral Patrick Koshoni | 1984 to 1985 |
| 10 | Emmanuel Nsan | 1985 to 1985 |
| 11 | Olikoye Ransome-Kuti | 1985 to 1993 |
| 12 | Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi | 1993 to 1993 |
| 13 | Dalhatu Tafida | 1993 to 1995 |
| 14 | Ihechukwu Madubuike | 1995 to 1997 |
| 15 | Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla | 1997 to 1998 |
| 16 | Timothy Menakaya | 1999 to 2001 |
| 17 | Alphonsus Nwosu | 2001 to 2003 |
| 18 | Eyitayo Lambo | 2003 to 2007 |
| 19 | Adenike Grange | 2007 to 2008 |
| 20 | Babatunde Osotimehin | 2008 to 2010 |
| 21 | Onyebuchi Chukwu | 2010 to 2014 |
| 22 | Haliru Al-Hassan | 2015 to 2015 |
| 23 | Issac Adewole | 2015 to 2019 |
| 24 | Osagie Ehanire | 2019 to 2023 |
| 25 | Muhammad Ali Pate | August 2023 - Present |
What Are The Agencies Under The Ministry Of Health In Nigeria?
The Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria is in charge of different agencies that work together to improve the health of Nigerians.
Each agency has a special role in making sure people get the healthcare they need. Here are the main agencies under the Ministry:
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA):
Formed in 1992, NPHCDA focuses on providing primary healthcare at the local level, and ensuring everyone has access to affordable and good-quality healthcare in their communities.
National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC):
NAFDAC is responsible for controlling and regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and other products. They make sure these products are safe and properly used in Nigeria.
Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC):
The NCDC leads efforts to prepare for, detect, and respond to outbreaks of diseases and public health emergencies. This agency’s responsibility is to protect the public from infectious diseases and health crises.
National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS):
NHIS is a public-private partnership designed to provide affordable healthcare for everyone. It offers various services and benefits to help Nigerians get the medical care they need.
Nigerian Institute Of Medical Research (NIMR):
NIMR focuses on researching diseases that are important to public health in Nigeria. They also work to share their research findings to improve health practices and policies.
Nigerian Institute Of Pharmaceutical Research And Development (NIPRD):
NIPRD uses modern science to support the local production of medicines, collaborating with experts to develop both traditional and new medicines.
National Arbovirus And Vectors Research Centre (NAVRC):
NAVRC conducts research on diseases spread by insects, like mosquitoes. This agency studies diseases such as yellow fever and dengue to find better ways to prevent and treat them.
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS):
NBTS ensures there is a safe and reliable supply of blood and blood products in Nigeria. They make sure people in need of blood for medical treatments have access to it.
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Who Was The First Minister Of Health In Nigeria?
The first Minister of Health in Nigeria was Ayotunde Rosiji, serving from 1957 to 1959, during a time when Nigeria was still under British colonial rule.
This was an important period for Nigeria as it was working towards independence and setting up its systems of governance.
The Federal Ministry of Health was created to manage health policies and improve healthcare services across the country.
Ayotunde Rosiji was appointed to lead this new ministry. His job was to set up a structure for healthcare that would benefit the Nigerian people.
Rosiji focused on laying the groundwork for health policies that would meet the needs of the population during his time.
His focus was on improving access to healthcare services, promoting health education, and dealing with common diseases of that time.
Even though his time in office was short, his work set the stage for future ministers to build on. He established the foundation for a health system that others would continue to develop.
After Ayotunde Rosiji, several other ministers took on the role of leading the Ministry of Health. Each of these ministers played a part in developing Nigeria’s health system further.
Today, the Ministry of Health has grown and now includes different agencies that handle different aspects of healthcare, such as disease control, food and drug safety, and primary health care. The work started by Rosiji helped create a more organized and effective health system in Nigeria.
Who Is The Current Minister Of Health In Nigeria?
The current Minister of Health in Nigeria is Muhammad Ali Pate, who was appointed in August 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.
Pate has a strong background in healthcare, having worked in various health positions both in Nigeria and around the world.
Before becoming the Minister of Health, Pate worked at the World Bank and Gavi, which is the global vaccine alliance. However, Pate was born on September 6, 1968, in Bauchi State, Nigeria.
He studied at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and later pursued advanced degrees in health systems management and public health at popular institutions like Duke University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Throughout his career, Pate has focused on improving health systems, particularly in primary healthcare. He was previously the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
He worked on policies to increase immunization rates and improve services for maternal and child health. His efforts in these areas have earned him recognition both in Nigeria and internationally, and he has received several awards for his contributions to healthcare.
Pate is responsible for overseeing health policies and programs in Nigeria as the minister of health. His main goals are to improve access to healthcare and the quality of services for all Nigerians.
He plans to focus on key health challenges, such as disease outbreaks, issues related to maternal and child health, and the overall strengthening of the healthcare system. Alongside him, Dr. Tunji Alausa serves as the Minister of State for Health.
