The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has called on health practitioners to be more dedicated during public service to foster meaningful growth in the sector.
Pate made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the book titled: “The Journey Outlives the Traveller” authored by Dr Leopold Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director.
The book is centered on Zekeng’s journey in the public and global health sector that spanned four decades from early beginnings in Cameroon to leadership roles across Africa and beyond.
This is based on working at the frontlines of HIV and AIDS responses, through some of the most complex health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, global health diplomacy and social-works development.
He congratulated the author for the milestone and years of service as well as for investing time to document what he had learnt about the present and future generation of public health practitioners.
“I congratulate you for this milestone and appreciate you for the years of service; particularly for investing the time to codify what you have learnt about the present and future generation of public health practitioners.
“I think what you have written in the book tells the story of public health practitioners over a period of time and the impact on lives.
“It is a remarkable journey and I look forward to studying you more. Congratulations for all you have done, you have left us with a lot to learn. Your journey is our journey and I think it is a transition moment,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, commended Zekeng for his initiative to put up the write-up, describing his journey in public health as masterclass in leadership.
In his review of the book, Dr Gambo Aliyu, former Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), revealed that the author offered perspectives to the multiplicity and complexities of global health governance and leadership in action.
According to him, the 600-page book shed light on often unseen human side of leadership, difficult and sometimes agonising decisions that must be taken, moments of hard-won triumph and collective progress.
“It reflects the personal sacrifices that are appropriate to effectively lead and navigate through times of significant crisis and uncertainties.
“A central and recurring theme that resonated powerfully throughout the book is the paramount importance of diligently sustaining the significant gains that have been achieved in the global, regional and national responses to HIV and AIDS pandemics.”
Highpoint of the event was remarks by Dr Isiaka Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare among other crème-de-la-crème in the public health sector, as well as stakeholders of the United Nations agencies and Diplomatic community.
