The Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery (NTLC) were Tuesday evening commended for its support to the health programmes of the federal government.
Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, in Abuja, Tuesday commended the traditional rulers during an online meeting organised by NPHCDA.
Dr Shuaib said the northern royal fathers have proved time and again to be effective in mobilising the communities. He recalled their role in the fight against polio and in curbing the spread of Ebola in the country.
He commended them for taking proactive steps to limit the spread of COVID ‐ 19 in their communities and pleaded for greater efforts to stop the community transmission of the virus.
“We can use our comparative advantage working in our communities with the community ‐ based health workers to make sure that the correct messages around COVID-19 actually reach our community members. We want to appreciate the NTLC members for all of the works that they have been doing to support government since the outbreak of this disease.”
He said the emirs and chiefs can work together to mitigate rumours, stigma and discrimination against COVID-19 patients in the country.
Dr. Shuaib said the advocacy with the traditional leaders was a national programme, adding that the southern traditional leaders’ meeting would soon take place.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who also gave kudos to the traditional rulers, called on them to safeguard their communities.
“It has therefore become imperative that, as our respected traditional leaders that you do the utmost to safeguard your communities by mobilising, sensitising and reporting activities within your domains to ensure preventive measures are being adhered to. Protection of the people is a divine responsibility bestowed on our royal fathers.”
The minister assured that with the ongoing control efforts by the NTLC, the spread of the virus can be stopped.
“I am optimistic that with your involvement in the ongoing control efforts, we will soon stop community transmission of coronavirus.”
Dr Osagie commended Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who he said has provided credible leadership as the patron of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery.
The minister lauded the leadership of the late Shehu of Bama, Alhaji kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, who was the chairman of NTLC and called for a minute silence in his honour.
