Minister: Data Is Critical In Provision Of Healthcare
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- Written by Oluwafemi Olowookere
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has described data as the key element in providing effective healthcare service to Nigerians. The Minister made this revelation in Abuja on Friday, 3rd August, 2018, while commissioning National Data Repository Center (NDR) and HIV PACE ECHO projects’ office.
The National Data Repository is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of health in partnership with Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The NDR receives de-identified patient data from across health facilities providing HIV testing and treatment services across the country.
The HIV PACE ECHO project were aimed at supporting HIV epidemic control by leveraging on video conferencing technology to provide case-based clinical mentorship to health care providers rendering HIV care and treatment services in Nigeria especially those in primary health care centers (PHCs).
The initiative is aimed at monitoring Nigeria’s achievement towards meeting the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals on HIV and AIDs.
These projects were implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with the University of Maryland Baltimore through funding from United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Speaking during the commissioning, the Minister said that accurate data enables health care providers and policy makers plan strategically.
“without data we will not be able to determine what progress we made, we can’t allocate resources appropriately”, the Minister said.
Adewole said accurate data provides clear vision to healthcare policy makers to adequately intervene where necessary.
The National Coordinator, National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NASCAP) Dr. Sunday Aboje commended US Center for Diseases Control (USCDC) for supporting the programme.
He appreciated the Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac F. Adewole for approving other logistics for the programme to take effect in full capacity, he assured that the programme would be sustained. The office is located in the Federal Ministry of Health, Phase III Federal Secretariat Complex.