The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has stressed the importance of self-care as a vital approach to safeguarding health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Mr. John Uruakpa, Director of the Health Promotion Division in the ministry, made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja during a hybrid meeting of the National Self-Care Advocacy Network (N-SAN).
Uruakpa said the network plays a critical role in encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their health through structured advocacy and coordinated action. He explained that N-SAN was established to promote self-care practices and ensure stakeholders clearly understand its purpose and relevance within the health system.
According to him, setting clear advocacy priorities is essential to advancing self-care initiatives at both national and sub-national levels. He noted that the network is a core component of the National Self-Care Guideline and supports the implementation of demand-generation strategies across the country.
Uruakpa added that aligning advocacy messages would promote consistency in self-care communication across different platforms, while sharing experiences among members would help strengthen collective impact.
He emphasised that collaboration remains central to the success of the network, expressing confidence that joint efforts would enhance N-SAN’s effectiveness and contribute to improved health outcomes nationwide.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Onyinye Jonathan of the Health Promotion Division said the session was organised to reinforce the network’s structure and operational framework.
She explained that participants would gain clearer insight into the purpose and functions of N-SAN, as well as the responsibilities of various membership categories. Jonathan added that the meeting would also provide orientation on self-care within Sexual and Reproductive, Maternal Health (SRMH) and updates on its expanded integration into Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly and Health (RMNCAEH) services.
According to her, stakeholders were keen to understand progress made in integrating self-care interventions into RMNCAEH, noting that the updates would better equip participants to support and promote self-care initiatives.
She expressed optimism that the meeting would energise members and strengthen coordinated advocacy efforts at all levels.
the meeting was organised by the Health Promotion Division of the ministry, with support from the White Ribbon Alliance.