Nigerian health commissioner Joseph Ana, who spent two decades working for the NHS in the UK before transforming healthcare services in his home country, has passed away aged 73. His remarkable career was marked by a tireless dedication to improving medical services, both here and abroad – a legacy that will be deeply felt across Nigeria and Africa.
During Ana's tenure as health commissioner in Cross River state from 2004 to 2008, significant strides were made in healthcare provision. According to NHS sources, vaccination rates rose dramatically, increasing from just 20% to a respectable 80%, while the prevalence of HIV was halved during this period (NHS Improvement, 2022). Furthermore, Ana's introduction of a state-wide ambulance service revolutionised emergency care for residents – a crucial development that has undoubtedly saved countless lives.
Before returning to Nigeria in 2004, Ana worked as a surgeon at St Margaret's hospital in Calabar and completed his surgical residency at the University of Calabar teaching hospital. His experience also led him to take on a role as a GP in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire – an appointment that allowed him to hone skills essential for primary care provision, which would later serve him well in Africa.
After stepping down from his post as health commissioner, Ana remained committed to healthcare development in Africa. As a respected consultant, he offered expert advice on healthcare management topics and advised the Nigerian government on key health policy issues (WHO, 2020). He also continued to chair the World Health Organization's technical advisory group on integrated care until his passing – testament to his enduring influence on global healthcare initiatives.