The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has commended the National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, NIPHID, Zaria, for its contributions to public health and manpower development in Nigeria.
The Emir made the commendation when the Chief Executive Officer of NIPHID, Dr Abdullahi Aminu Dalhatu, led Batch 83 Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisors’ trainees on a courtesy visit to his palace in Zaria.
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Ambassador Bamalli said the Institute had played a significant role in saving lives and supporting public health interventions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that NIPHID’s contributions through testing, treatment support, training and retraining of health personnel had complemented the efforts of other healthcare institutions.
The Emir urged the management to sustain collaboration, sacrifice and resilience in transforming the institution, stressing the importance of investing in human capital and building a lasting legacy.
He also encouraged the Institute to explore additional programmes capable of generating revenue, attracting more trainees and making its activities more engaging.
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Ambassador Bamalli advised the management to look beyond existing programmes and identify opportunities that would strengthen the institution and enhance its contribution to healthcare delivery.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of NIPHID, Dr Abdullahi Aminu Dalhatu, said the Institute, formerly known as the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre and Referral Hospital, was established to train personnel for the control of tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer in Nigeria.
Dr Abdullahi said Batch 83 of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisors’ course comprised trainees drawn from twenty-three local government areas across several states.
He explained that the trainees had undergone five weeks of intensive training and would undertake supervisory visits to Primary Health Care facilities at Babban Dodo and Chikaji in Sabon Gari Local Government Area.
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The CEO expressed appreciation to the Emir for receiving the delegation, adding that the trainees had also congratulated him on his sixth anniversary on the throne.
The courtesy visit formed part of activities marking the ongoing training and field supervision programme of Batch 83 Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisors.