Abuja: The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has called on health practitioners to be more dedicated during public service to foster meaningful growth in the sector.
Pate made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the book titled: “The journey outlives the traveller” written by Dr Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director.
The book is centred on Zekeng’s journey in the public and global health sector that spanned four decades from early beginnings in Cameroon to leadership roles across Africa and beyond.
This is based on working at the frontlines of HIV and AIDS responses, through some of the most complex health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, global health diplomacy, and social-work development.
He congratulated the author on the milestone and years of service, as well as for investing time to document what he had learnt about the present and future generations of public health practitioners.
“I congratulate you on this milestone and appreciate you for the years of service, particularly for investing the time to codify what you have learnt about the present and future generation of public health practitioners.
“What you have written in the book tells the story of public health practitioners over time and the impact on lives.
“It is a remarkable journey, and I look forward to studying you more. Congratulations on all you have done; you have left us with a lot to learn. Your journey is our journey, and I think it is a transition moment,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, commended Zekeng for his initiative to write the piece, describing his journey in public health as a masterclass in leadership.
According to Fall, we all feel deeply privileged to have worked with him. He understood that HIV is not only a medical issue, but a human one shaped by culture, stigma, access, and also by force.
“He partnered with the First Ladies of the country, worked closely with the Minister of Health, and built himself a response that was as human as possible by trying to respond to the HIV crisis in Nigeria.
“For the UN-Nigeria, your journey has been a masterclass not just in leadership on the SDGs, but for public health in general. You reminded us that progress must be people-centred, partnership-driven, and purpose-led.”
In his review of the book, Dr Gambo Aliyu, former Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), revealed that the author offered perspectives on the multiplicity and complexities of global health governance and leadership in action.
According to him, the 600-page book sheds light on the often unseen human side of leadership, complex and sometimes agonising decisions that must be taken, moments of hard-won triumph and collective progress.
“It reflects the personal sacrifices that are appropriate to effectively lead and navigate through times of significant crisis and uncertainties.
“A central and recurring theme that resonated powerfully throughout the book is the paramount importance of diligently sustaining the significant gains that have been achieved in the global, regional, and national responses to the HIV and AIDS pandemics.”
The highlight of the event was remarks by Dr Isiaka Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, alongside other prominent figures in the public health sector, as well as representatives from United Nations agencies and the Diplomatic community.
