The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has urged public health practitioners to demonstrate greater dedication in service delivery to drive meaningful progress in the sector.
Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of “The Journey Outlives the Traveller”, a memoir by UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Leopold Zekeng, Pate emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing knowledge gained from decades of experience in global health.
The book chronicles Dr. Zekeng’s 40-year career in public health, tracing his path from Cameroon to leadership roles across Africa and globally. It highlights his frontline work in major health crises, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19, and his contributions to health diplomacy and social development.
Congratulating Zekeng, Pate stated: “What you have written tells the story of public health over time—its challenges and enduring impact. Your journey is our journey. You’ve left us with invaluable lessons for future generations.”
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, praised Zekeng’s leadership and collaborative spirit, particularly in addressing HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. “He understood HIV not just as a medical challenge but as a human issue shaped by culture, stigma, and access. His approach to public health has been a masterclass in leadership.”
Reviewing the book, former NACA Director-General, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, said the 600-page memoir provides a rare insight into the complexities of global health governance and the human side of leadership during crises. “It captures the personal sacrifices, hard decisions, and hard-won victories in global health. A central message is the importance of sustaining the gains made in combating HIV and AIDS.”
The event gathered stakeholders across the health and development sectors, celebrating a career that has shaped public health practice and policy across the continent.
