Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has called for health policies that are rooted in the lived experiences and needs of everyday Nigerians.

Speaking through the Director of Port Health Services, Nse Akpan, during the 10th anniversary of the Stella Adadevoh Health Trust in Abuja today, Pate emphasized that meaningful health reform must be guided by the voices of local communities.

“Health sector reforms will only succeed if our policies reflect the needs, values, and experiences of people at the grassroots,” he said. “Policy must resonate in the community in the marketplace, the farm, the school, churches, mosques, and clinics. That’s where impact is felt. Without grassroots engagement, policies risk failing before they begin.”

His remarks echo a growing consensus among health experts and policymakers that effective reform in Nigeria requires inclusive, bottom-up approaches. This involves actively engaging youth, women, marginalized groups, and local leaders in shaping public health decisions to ensure they are practical, culturally relevant, and sustainable.

“Inclusion is not just about fairness it’s about effectiveness,” Pate noted. “Our policies must work for people where they live, work, and learn.”

The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and development partners to strengthen Nigeria’s health security.

“Our national health and prosperity depend on policies that connect human, animal, and environmental health. This is why we’re advancing the One Health approach because health cannot exist in isolation,” he stated.

Pate warned against complacency, stressing that health security is a shared responsibility: “It wasn’t just Dr. Adadevoh’s responsibility; it is the duty of every Nigerian. We may not know when or where the next outbreak will occur, but with unity and vigilance, we can prevent future crises and protect our people.”