By Nkechi Eze
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Nigeria, Richard Pheelangwah, has commended the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MoD-HIP) for their sustained commitment and professionalism in combating HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and other public health challenges affecting personnel and families of the Armed Forces.
Pheelangwah gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the MoD-HIP Programme Office in Abuja on Friday, where he underscored the critical link between the health of military families and the overall effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
He assured the management of the Ministry’s continued support towards strengthening the programme’s governance framework, noting that the initiative has the potential to expand its reach beyond military communities to benefit other Nigerians.
“The health and well-being of the families of the Armed Forces is central to the effectiveness and performance of the force,” he said, while urging the programme’s leadership to deepen strategic collaborations and sustain investment in digital health systems.
The Permanent Secretary also applauded the programme’s rapid progress since its establishment, describing its achievements as impressive and impactful within a short period.
In his remarks, the Director-General of MoD-HIP, Babatunde Solebo, described the visit as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and expressed appreciation for the recognition accorded the programme.
He explained that MoD-HIP currently operates in 18 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with a mandate focused on public health preparedness. Initially established to tackle HIV/AIDS, the programme has since expanded its scope to include COVID-19 response and mental health care, alongside research and institutional collaboration.
Solebo highlighted key partnerships with agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as collaborations with the Nigeria Customs Service and the United States Embassy, all aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and outcomes.
He further noted that the programme plays a critical role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, while also supporting vulnerable children from military families through scholarships and skills acquisition initiatives.
Looking ahead, the Director-General identified key priorities for sustaining the programme’s impact, including the absorption of over 300 health implementation staff, securing a stable budgetary framework, and upgrading infrastructure. He added that plans are underway for the establishment of an Armed Forces College of Medicine to further strengthen capacity in military healthcare.
Earlier, the Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa, Helina Meri, welcomed the Permanent Secretary and his delegation, reaffirming the commitment of the United States government to continued collaboration with MoD-HIP in both administrative and technical areas.
She noted that the partnership has been instrumental in advancing the programme’s objectives and ensuring its success in addressing pressing health concerns within the Armed Forces community.
The visit was attended by directors from the Ministry of Defence, MoD-HIP headquarters staff and other key stakeholders.
