(DDM) – Fresh calls have emerged for the establishment of a Public Health Officer cadre in Kwara State, as stakeholders push for reforms aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare and improving service delivery.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the appeal was made in an open letter addressed to the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Kwara State, highlighting gaps in the current healthcare structure.
The letter, authored by Yusuf Taofiq Omotosho, stressed the urgent need for the formal recognition of public health professionals within the state’s health system.
According to the communication, several states across Nigeria, including Lagos, Ondo, and Rivers, have already taken steps to institutionalise Public Health Officer cadres as part of broader healthcare reforms.
These cadres, the letter noted, accommodate professionals with qualifications ranging from National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees in Public Health.
However, Kwara State was identified as lacking such a structured system, a gap described as limiting the effective utilisation of trained public health experts.
The author explained that public health professionals play a critical role in disease prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, and community-based interventions.
He warned that without a recognised cadre, the state risks underutilising a vital workforce capable of addressing emerging health challenges.
The letter emphasised that public health serves as the foundation of any effective healthcare system, focusing on prevention rather than treatment alone.
It added that while clinical services address individual health conditions, public health initiatives target population-wide outcomes and long-term sustainability.
The proposal outlined several benefits of creating a Public Health Officer cadre in the state.
These include improved disease surveillance systems, stronger outbreak response mechanisms, and enhanced epidemiological reporting.
It also highlighted the potential for increased health education and awareness at the community level.
Furthermore, the move is expected to reduce pressure on curative healthcare services by promoting preventive strategies.
The letter also pointed out that establishing the cadre would provide structured career pathways for public health professionals.
This, it argued, would encourage capacity building, professional development, and retention of skilled personnel within the state.
The author noted that many qualified individuals currently face limited opportunities due to the absence of a formal framework for their integration into the health system.
He maintained that recognising these professionals would significantly improve healthcare outcomes and service efficiency.
In addition, the proposal aligns with national and global best practices in healthcare workforce development.
The letter concluded with a call for the state government to initiate the process of establishing the cadre.
It expressed confidence that such a step would complement ongoing healthcare reforms and position Kwara State as a leader in innovative health system strengthening.
Observers say the appeal reflects growing awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare in Nigeria’s evolving medical landscape.
They note that integrating public health professionals could play a key role in addressing disease burden and improving overall well-being across communities.
