The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has lauded the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MoD-HIP) for their sustained dedication and professionalism in combating HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges, particularly among Armed Forces families.

Pheelangwah gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the Programme Office in Abuja, where he underscored the critical role of family health in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the military.

He noted that the well-being of Armed Forces families remains a strategic priority, adding that a healthy support system directly contributes to improved performance and readiness within the military.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the governance framework of the MoD’s health initiatives to ensure effective implementation and scalability, with the potential to extend benefits beyond military communities to the wider Nigerian population.

While acknowledging the Programme’s remarkable progress within a relatively short period, he urged the management to deepen strategic partnerships and prioritise investment in digital health solutions to further improve service delivery.

In his remarks, the Director-General of MoD-HIP, Brigadier-General Babatunde Solebo, described the visit as a demonstration of purposeful leadership, noting that the Programme was honoured to receive the Permanent Secretary.

Solebo, who earlier presented an overview of the Programme’s activities, explained that MoD-HIP operates across 18 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on public health preparedness. He stated that while the Programme initially targeted HIV/AIDS interventions, its scope has expanded to include COVID-19 response and mental health care services.

He added that MoD-HIP is also actively engaged in research and maintains strategic collaborations with key institutions, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the United States Embassy, among others.

The Director-General further highlighted the Programme’s role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, as well as its support initiatives for vulnerable children, particularly within military families, through scholarships and skill acquisition programmes.

To enhance sustainability, Solebo identified key priorities such as the absorption of 300 Health Implementation staff, the establishment of a stable budgetary framework, infrastructural upgrades, and the creation of an Armed Forces College of Medicine.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa (WRAIR-Africa Nigeria), Mrs. Helina Meri, commended the strong collaboration between the United States and MoD-HIP. She noted that the partnership spans both administrative and technical domains, contributing significantly to the success of the Programme.

The event was attended by directors from the Ministry of Defence, officials of MoD-HIP headquarters, and other staff members.