Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Matawalle, has met with a US delegation led by Dr. David Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health, to enhance collaboration on defence health services. The meeting aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between the two nations, which has already facilitated the establishment of high-tech laboratories in Nigeria.
Mr. Matawalle commended the US for their efforts and urged for the expansion of medical facilities beyond Abuja and Lagos to reach more deserving regions. He emphasized the importance of integrating health services to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, stating that “a healthy military is the backbone of a strong nation.”
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that military personnel have access to top-tier healthcare services and facilities. He called for an increase in the defence budget allocated to health, viewing it as a vital investment in the nation’s future and stability.
The US delegation is in Nigeria to advance initiatives aimed at sustaining progress against HIV, accelerating efforts towards the United Nations’ 95-95-95 goals, and working towards the elimination of HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
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