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USAMRD-A/N and NMOD-HIP Host Bi-Annual Meeting to Enhance Military Health Care in Nigeria
A cross-section of dignitaries at the site commanders’ and team leaders’ meeting in Abuja[/caption]
The United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Nigeria (USAMRD-A/N), in partnership with the Nigerian Ministry of Defence (NMOD) Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP), hosted its bi-annual Site Commanders’ and Team Leaders’ Meeting between Monday, July 31, and Tuesday, August 1, 2023 in Abuja.
The two-day meeting is a key activity of the 18-year USAMRD-A/NMOD-HIP military-to-military partnership, which brings leaders from military health facilities across the country to discuss challenges, successes, and opportunities in delivering quality healthcare services.
In his address during the opening ceremony, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States’ Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, highlighted the substantial investments made by the U.S. government to tackle various health challenges in Nigeria. He noted that these investments cover a wide range of initiatives, including providing financial support and technical aid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the triple burden of HIV, malaria, and TB, dealing with emerging infectious diseases like Mpox, and cross-cutting areas of reproductive health, immunization, and health security.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana commended the U.S. government for the robust support given to the Nigerian Defence Ministry through the partnership. He also acknowledged the accomplishments of the U.S.-Nigeria military collaboration, including the establishment of the state-of-the-art Defence Reference Laboratory, the only internationally accredited multi-speciality Clinical Laboratory in West Africa.
The activity was also attended by the Permanent Secretary-Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Okokon E. Udo, represented by Mr. Mohammed Saidu, Director-General (DG), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu, DG, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Adeye, represented by Dr Rametu Momodu, and the DG, NMOD-HIP Brig. Gen. NAE Okeji (Rtd).
Other guests at the event were the National Coordinator, National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr Adebobola Bashorun, represented by Dr. Mobisola Mobolaji Bello, Country Director, USAMRD-A/N, Ms Helina Meri, MD, Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS), Tuedo Uweja, among others.