The Nigerian government has activated the AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) Technical Working Group (TWG) in a renewed effort to tackle these life-threatening diseases and strengthen the country’s health sector coordination.
Announcing the activation on Friday in Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to integrating and streamlining health programmes to improve outcomes.
The TWG will be co-chaired by Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and Dr Ntadom Godwin, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office will serve as the TWG’s secretariat, ensuring smooth collaboration and oversight.
The TWG brings together major health agencies, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCP)
The group was tasked with assessing ongoing programmes and expenditure patterns, identifying gaps in current interventions, and developing a long-term framework for better coordination
Prof. Pate emphasised that the integrated approach will optimise resources and ensure sustainable health interventions.
Co-chair Dr Ilori highlighted the importance of synergy in public health responses, stating that streamlined interventions would reduce duplication and enhance efficiency.
Similarly, Dr Ntadom Godwin noted that the TWG’s efforts will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to meet global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The TWG’s first task will be to conduct a comprehensive review of programme areas and funding mechanisms, identifying ways to optimise resources and bridge existing gaps.
