Pate calls for inclusion of grassroots voices in health policy design

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says Nigeria’s health policies must be rooted in the day-to-day realities and voices of Nigerian communities.

Pate spoke on Monday during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust,

Represented by Nse Akpan, director of port health services, Pate said targeting grassroots instead of using top-down strategies, would help in addressing the specific and diverse needs of the population.

“Nigeria’s health sector reforms would only succeed if policies were designed to reflect the needs, values, and experiences of people at the grassroots,” he said.

“Policy design in Nigeria will not succeed unless it resonates in the communities, in the marketplace, in the farm, in the school, in churches, in mosques, and in clinics.

“That is where policy truly works. If we sit down here and say we have a lot of failed policies without engaging the grassroots, then the government has not done anything.”

The minister said the voices of youth, women, and marginalised groups must be included in national conversations on public health, adding that inclusion was not only about fairness but also about effectiveness.

“When we talk about inclusion, it is not just about being fair; it is about being effective. Our policies must work for the people where they live and learn,” he added.

Pate said the government would continue to partner with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s health security architecture.

“Our health and prosperity as a nation depends on policies that integrate human, animal, and environmental health. That is why we are promoting the One Health approach, because health cannot thrive in isolation,” he said.

Pate noted that health security was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, warning that complacency could undermine the country’s preparedness for future outbreaks.

“Health security is everyone’s business. It wasn’t the business of Adadevoh alone; it is the business of us all,” he said.

“We do not know when or where the next outbreak will occur, but if we remain united and proactive, we can prevent crises and protect our people.”