Health Outcomes: Tinubu Urges Collective Action on Preventable Diseases

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for collective responsibility in combating preventable diseases, urging traditional rulers and youths across Nigeria to play active roles in improving health outcomes, as his administration also launches a food bank programme.

Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that combating preventable diseases is a shared responsibility. He urged traditional rulers and youths to take proactive roles in enhancing health outcomes within their communities. The President emphasised his administration's commitment to rebuilding trust in the health sector through transparent governance and decisive actions.

Renewing the Health Sector and Partnerships

President Tinubu underscored the vital engagement of traditional and religious leaders for the success of the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, particularly in the crucial area of reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates. “The war against preventable diseases is the responsibility of all of us,” he declared, advocating for stronger partnerships to bolster primary healthcare services nationwide. He noted that the summit lays the groundwork for a new national alliance for health, stressing collaboration with state governors, local government chairmen, and other key stakeholders to enhance the functionality of primary health centres.

Furthermore, President Tinubu commended Nigerian youths for their optimism and resilience, assuring them that ongoing economic reforms are beginning to yield positive macroeconomic results. He also affirmed that national challenges such as banditry and terrorism would be overcome through sustained cooperation and partnerships.

First Lady Launches Food Bank Initiative

In a related development, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu announced plans to launch the National Community Food Bank programme in April, aimed at tackling child malnutrition. This initiative will operate through primary health centres, identifying vulnerable families with children under six, providing essential nutrition counselling, and issuing food vouchers redeemable for locally produced foods.

The First Lady confirmed that the programme would be financed through a trust fund supported by private sector partners and benevolent Nigerians, with oversight from credible individuals to ensure rigorous accountability. She added that her office would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Bank of Industry, and the Bank of Agriculture to ensure its nationwide implementation.