The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its unwavering commitment to delivering improved healthcare services to members of the Armed Forces, their families, and civilian populations. This affirmation was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, during the opening ceremony of the Site Commanders and Team Leaders Meeting held on Monday, 31st July 2023, in Abuja.

Dr. Kana commended the Nigerian Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP) and the U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate–Africa/Nigeria (USAMRD-A/N) for their dedication to HIV prevention, treatment, and support services for military personnel and communities within and around the barracks. He noted that their efforts have not only improved health outcomes but also strengthened public health systems nationwide.

Highlighting the growing threats of infectious diseases, Dr. Kana revealed the Ministry of Defence’s approval of a new Defence Outbreak Response Unit (DORU). This unit, he explained, will serve as Nigeria’s military task force to work in collaboration with the African Partners Outbreak Alliance (APORA) — a continental coalition aimed at mounting swift responses to epidemics and public health emergencies across Africa.

He emphasized the importance of local and international partnerships, asserting that building robust collaborative platforms and reinforcing coordination mechanisms is essential to strengthening epidemic preparedness. According to the Permanent Secretary, the strategic alliance between the Nigerian and U.S. governments has become a model for effective global health partnerships, yielding measurable progress in combating not only HIV/AIDS but also malaria, Lassa fever, and COVID-19.

In his welcome address, Brig. Gen. NAE Okeji (rtd), the Director General of MODHIP, reflected on the programme’s evolution over the past 18 years. Initially launched in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, MODHIP began with just four military health facilities. Today, it spans 34 programme sites across Nigeria, offering comprehensive healthcare services and supporting the military’s readiness to confront health threats — both old and new.

He expressed optimism about the programme’s future, stating that MODHIP’s growing capacity is rooted in continuous training, evidence-based research, and technology-driven approaches to public health challenges. “We are not just treating illness — we are building resilient systems,” he said.

Also present was Mr. David Greene, Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy, who reinforced the importance of U.S.–Nigeria collaboration in global health. He applauded the joint efforts that have strengthened disease surveillance, early detection, and rapid response capabilities in Nigeria.

The Site Commanders and Team Leaders Meeting brought together key stakeholders to align on current challenges, share operational insights, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration. The event served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of multi-sectoral health partnerships, driven by shared vision, strategic investments, and frontline commitment.