THE first step towards implementing the Health Sector Component of Vision 20:20:20 through a presidential health summit is being taken by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH).

At a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, Minister of Health, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, announced that the summit scheduled for tomorrow and Friday is entitled, 'Accepting Collective Responsibility for Improving our Health in Nigeria.' It is aimed at engaging the governors towards obtaining their commitment in the on-going efforts to meet the health needs of the people and the achievement of the Seven-Point Agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

According to Osotimehin, the summit which will be in two parts, will feature a draft agreement on the health agenda and the way forward.

This will undoubtedly position the states and the local councils to actively participate in the delivery of healthcare at their various levels.

As part of the expected outcome, Osotimehin said, a partnership agreement known as 'National Health Partnership Declaration and Mutual Accountability for Measurable Results' which will reflect key and measurable deliverables within the health sector that will benefit the majority of our people in the short, medium and long-term, will be developed."