{"id":233228,"date":"2025-07-27T20:49:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T20:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abianewscentral.com.ng\/integrate-self-care-into-national-health-strategy-experts-to-nigerian-govt\/"},"modified":"2025-07-27T20:49:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T20:49:50","slug":"integrate-self-care-into-national-health-strategy-experts-to-nigerian-govt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abiaradiostations.com.ng\/news\/integrate-self-care-into-national-health-strategy-experts-to-nigerian-govt\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrate self-care into national health strategy \u2013 Experts to Nigerian govt"},"content":{"rendered":"

Integrate self-care into national Health <\/a>strategy \u2013 Experts to Nigerian govt
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Health <\/a>experts have asked the Nigerian government to ensure the integration of self-care into the national Health <\/a>strategy, noting it is a sure way to reduce the pressure on the country\u2019s Health <\/a>systems.<\/p>\n

The experts noted that self-care is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for improving outcomes in the country\u2019s healthcare system and increasing access to care for individuals and communities.<\/p>\n

Urging the government to create more awareness on self-care, Dr Samuel Oyeniyi, the Head of Reproductive Health <\/a>at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasised that self-care will supplement Health <\/a>services rather than replace direct interaction with the system.<\/p>\n

In a presentation at a virtual self-care awareness-building workshop for media professionals, organised by the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Dr Oyeniyi noted, \u201cSelf-care shall not be a cost-shifting mechanism from the government or existing Health <\/a>care financing structure to clients. It shall be safe, effective, and able to reach individuals who may not be
able to access Health <\/a>services\u201d.<\/p>\n

He said, \u201cDuring the COVID-19 period, many people didn\u2019t know what to do and couldn\u2019t access healthcare services.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is why we must now look back and ask how the quality of care be improved even from our homes? Self-care must become part of our lives, individually, as families, and as communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oyeniyi described self-care as a necessary form of preparedness, not just during emergencies, but as a continuous lifestyle choice.<\/p>\n

The Chairperson, Board of Trustees at White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Dr Nana Chidi Emmanuel on her part, emphasised the role of media professionals in creating awareness on self care.<\/p>\n

She said, \u201cSelf-care represents a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare delivery, empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take greater control of their health.<\/p>\n

\u201dIn a country with challenges in healthcare access, self-care interventions offer practical, cost-effective solutions that can significantly improve Health <\/a>outcomes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough your various platforms, you can help normalise discussions around sexual and reproductive Health <\/a>and offer resources that empower individuals,\u201d she told journalists.<\/p>\n

Speaking on behalf of the Self-Care Trailblazer Group, George Kapiyo, said self-care addresses access gaps in Health <\/a>services, especially in low-resource settings.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt supports Health <\/a>equity and autonomy, especially for marginalised populations; reduces burden on overstretched Health <\/a>systems and facilities; addresses shortages in the Health <\/a>workforce; and enhances autonomy and Health <\/a>literacy among individuals.<\/p>\n

According to the World Health <\/a>Organisation, WHO, self-care interventions is necessary for every country as a critical path to reaching universal Health <\/a>coverage.<\/p>\n

It described self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease, and cope with illness, with or without the support of a Health <\/a>or care worker, using medicines, devices, diagnostic and digital tools.<\/p>\n

The workshop, themed \u201cMedia as a Catalyst for Advancing Self-care for Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health (SRMH) in Nigeria,\u201d is part of efforts to engender media involvement in promoting self-care practices.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n