By Franca Ofili
Mr John Uruakpa, Director, Health Promotion Division, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, says self-care is crucial to preserving health, especially for vulnerable populations.
Uruakpa spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a hybrid meeting of the National Self-Care Advocacy Network (N-SAN).
“N-SAN promotes self-care and empowers individuals to take charge of their health, with clear objectives guiding its advocacy efforts,” he said.
He said the network aimed to clarify its purpose and importance, ensuring stakeholders understand its role in advancing self-care.
According to him, identifying priority advocacy actions is vital to driving progress in self-care at national and sub-national levels.
“N-SAN is a key requirement of the National Self-Care Guideline, supporting implementation of demand-generation strategies,” Uruakpa said.
He said harmonising advocacy messages would ensure a unified approach to promoting self-care across platforms.
“Sharing lessons learned allows members to benefit from each other’s experiences and successes,” he added.
Uruakpa said collaboration remained central to the network’s success, with members pursuing joint efforts nationwide.
He expressed optimism that collective action would strengthen N-SAN and improve Nigeria’s health and well-being.
Also speaking, Mrs Onyinye Jonathan, of the Health Promotion Division, said the meeting aimed to strengthen the network’s framework.
Jonathan said the session would clarify N-SAN’s purpose, functions and the roles of different categories of members.
“Participants will be oriented on self-care in SRMH and updated on expanded integration into RMNCAEH,” she said.
She said the event would explain how the network’s objectives align with broader national health goals.
According to her, stakeholders are eager to learn about progress in integrating self-care interventions into RMNCAEH.
“The updates will help participants effectively support and promote self-care,” Jonathan said.
She said identifying priority advocacy actions would ensure a cohesive approach at national and sub-national levels.
Jonathan said the meeting was expected to energise participants and equip them to advance self-care initiatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was organised by the ministry’s Health Promotion Division, with support from the White Ribbon Alliance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
