The Federal Government of Nigeria has established the AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) Technical Working Group (TWG) as part of a strategic initiative to bolster the nation’s response to these critical health challenges. Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja.
Pate emphasized that this activation represents a renewed commitment to integrating and coordinating health programs and resources aimed at combating AIDS, TB, and malaria.
“The TWG will be co-chaired by Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and Dr. Ntadom Godwin, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,” he stated.
The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office will function as the TWG’s secretariat, facilitating effective collaboration and oversight. The formation of the TWG brings together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s health sector, including representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCP).
Pate outlined the TWG’s immediate tasks, which include analyzing ongoing programs and expenditure patterns, as well as identifying gaps in current interventions.
“Furthermore, it will develop a medium to long-term framework aimed at fostering a unified approach, or ‘One-Conversation,’ among key actors in the ATM space, including development partners and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),” he added.
Highlighting the significance of this integrated approach, Pate stated, “The activation of the ATM Technical Working Group is a critical step in ensuring that our efforts to combat AIDS, TB, and malaria are not only efficient but also sustainable.”
He noted that enhancing collaboration across agencies and with partners will lead to a more resilient health system that effectively meets the needs of Nigerians.
Co-Chair Dr. Temitope Ilori underscored the necessity for synergy in tackling public health challenges, asserting that integrated efforts would minimize duplication and streamline interventions. Dr. Ntadom Godwin, Director of Public Health, added that this coordinated effort would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to achieve global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The TWG will commence its work with a thorough review of current program areas and funding mechanisms, focusing on resource optimization and addressing existing gaps. The group will also engage with international partners and CSOs to ensure that interventions are people-centered and impactful.
