Dr. Chikwe and Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu share Insights on Nigeria’s pandemic battle and public health wins in PSHAN’s Latest Podcast
The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has released a new episode in the second season of its “Leadership Series” podcast. Hosted by Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO of PSHAN, the episode is an enlightening discussion with Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu on “Leading Nigeria Through Infectious Diseases Outbreaks: Challenges and Triumphs.”
Dr. Ihekweazu, the former Director General of NCDC and Mrs. Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, share their insights and experiences from the frontline of Nigeria’s public health response to the COVID pandemic in Nigeria.
During the episode, the host and guests stressed the importance of establishing and strengthening Nigeria’s health infrastructure. According to Dr. Ihekweazu, data and diagnostic capabilities are crucial to building public health agencies, and the general health system. In his words, “The most important currency of a national health public health agency is its data and diagnostic capabilities. Without these, you have no foundation for your existence.”
As a result, he stated that he prioritised the development of the National Reference Laboratory and other critical structures during his tenure. Referring to these significant achievements, Dr. Ihekweazu noted, “Building these structures was essential not just for managing the pandemic but for laying the groundwork for future public health challenges.”
In addition to reflecting on the unprecedented challenges faced by Nigerians during the pandemic, the guests touched on their new book, ‘An Imperfect Storm’. The book offers a candid exploration of Nigeria’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and its pivotal role during this global crisis.
Describing the book’s approach to this sensitive issue, Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu says, “Most books on infectious outbreaks focus on clinical aspects. We aimed to present the story in a way that resonates with ordinary people, incorporating personal experiences from individuals around the globe.” The book, ‘An Imperfect Storm,’ captures both the strategic and human elements of the public health emergency response of the NCDC, showcasing resilience and the power of public service.
Commenting on the book’s refreshing perspective on the pandemic, Dr. Ihekweazu states, “We live in a country overwhelmed by negative narratives. But this book seeks to remind us of the remarkable strides we made during a time of great adversity.”
Speaking on his key takeaway, Dr. Chikwe noted: “For me, the key takeaway is two-fold. First, our public sector institutions must function effectively if we want to build a robust country. Second, we have the talent needed to drive this change, but we need to actively engage and support them. I have seen many qualified individuals in the public service doing little because they are not provided with the necessary resources and support. We must invest in these people if we want to see real progress.”
In her concluding words, Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu stated, “the takeaway for me is the immense power of communication and community. Throughout the pandemic, we witnessed how crucial it is to build trust through clear communication. More importantly, the solidarity shown by Nigerians in their communities was remarkable. Despite the hardships, people came together, supporting each other and demonstrating the strength of our collective spirit. It was inspiring to see how people rallied together during such challenging times.”
The book has garnered lofty reviews from notable individuals and public leaders, such as Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN, GCON), former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of World Trade Organisation, amongst others.
The podcast episode is a must-listen for everyone as it offers a rich, human-centred account of Nigeria’s pandemic response. It also dives deep into Dr. Ihekweazu and Mrs. Ihekweazu’s experiences and the lasting impact of their work beyond the pandemic.
