Strengthening Defence Health: Matawalle Meets with U.S. Deputy Secretary Department of Defence for Health to Enhance Nigerian Defence Health Systems

Strengthening Defence Health: Matawalle Meets with U.S. Deputy Secretary Department of Defence for Health to Enhance Nigerian Defence Health Systems

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, today Thursday, December 12, 2024, received a high-level delegation led by Dr. David J. Smith, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health. The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, focused on the strategic integration of health to improve the welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces.

During the discussions, Dr. Matawalle reiterated his commitment to increase the allocation of the Defence budget to health, signaling his recognition of healthcare as a cornerstone of national security.

“A healthy military is the backbone of a strong nation. This government is committed to ensuring that our military personnel have access to the best healthcare facilities and services. By increasing the Defence budget for health, we are investing in the future of our nation and its stability,” the Minister stated.

This effort aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to enhance military readiness while addressing public health challenges that impact both service members and the civilian population.

The meeting included dignitaries, such as, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni and Director-General of MOD-HIP Brig. Gen. IB Solebo. Together with the U.S. delegation, they explored opportunities to enhance Nigeria’s defence health system.

Dr. Smith praised the minister for the proactive health readiness efforts, emphasizing the critical link between health system and military preparedness.

“Health readiness is as crucial as any weapon system in ensuring military preparedness. We are committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its defence health systems,” he said.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Kana added that these efforts would not only enhance military health but also provide a model for strengthening Nigeria’s broader healthcare system.

“The health of our armed forces is the health of our nation. This collaboration marks a turning point for Nigeria’s defence policy,” he noted.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government’s commitment to improving healthcare for military personnel and civilians reflects its recognition of health as a cornerstone of national security.

The Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MOD-HIP) has been instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s military healthcare landscape. Established in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2005, MOD-HIP began by addressing HIV/AIDS among armed forces. Over time, it expanded its scope to tackle broader health challenges, including emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) like Ebola, Lassa fever, and COVID-19​

MOD-HIP supports 43 military health facilities, providing services that benefit both military and civilian populations.