The Federal Government has renewed its pledge to ensuring Nigerians access quality and affordable health services, with a call for collective efforts and genuine partnerships to build a healthier society.
Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate made the disclosure in a key note address at the opening ceremony of 2024 Joint Annual Health Review, organized by the Ministry at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja November 6, 2024.
In a gathering of health stakeholders, first in the country, comprising State Commissioners of Health, Local Governments, development partners and international organizations; Prof Pate announced that the Ministry has met 31 out of the 41 key performance indicators (KPIs) across Presidential Commitments, and on track to surpass targets for the year.
Buttressing this with more explanatory figures and statistics, the Coordinating Minister said: “Under the PHC 2.0 reform, we have emphasized equity by allocating financial and human resources across over 8,000 primary health care centers. Direct facility disbursements totalling 45 billion Naira have been sent to states, reaching our people directly. With the help of our partners, we mobilized more than 3 billion dollars in complementary funding, including 2.1 billion dollars confirmed, which supplements the efforts of the Federal Government…”
On capacity building in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the health workforce, Prof Pate stated that the Ministry set a target to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers and, that 40,000 workers have received training thereby exceeding this target through the SWAp Coordinating Office.
The Coordinating Minister also shared that over 2,600 healthcare facilities are in advance stages of revitalization, with 2,000 more slated for upgrades to make primary healthcare centres fully functional.
All states, he pointed out, have developed and hosted their Annual Operational Plans ( AOPs), identifying gaps and setting the stage for future collaborations with our partners focused on population health outcomes.
Continuing on the State of Health Report, the Coordinating Minister affirmed that significant progress have been recorded in healthcare affordability and insurance coverage.
”More work is required to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. The Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority is working tirelessly to enhance quality of care and user experience, and we recognize there is more to be done”, Prof Pate explained.
On areas of challenges which indicate more urgent attention and action, he cited routine immunization rates and the coverage of zero- dose children including malnutrition and high rates of stunting.
“In response to these findings, especially regarding high maternal mortality, we have identified 174 high- burden local governments across Nigeria responsible for 50% of maternal deaths. To address this, we have launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Investment Initiative. This initiative reflects our commitment to ending maternal mortality, and with our current momentum, I believe it is achievable”, the Coordinating Minister explained.
Representing the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma said “The role of the Nigerian Governors has been clearly outlined, and I assure my esteemed colleague, the Honourable Ministers, and all stakeholders that we remain dedicated to fulfilling our obligations. We expect the same level of commitment from our partners”.
Speaking, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Hon. Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare underscored the importance of accountability, monitoring and evaluation in achieving the goals of the Sector- wide Approach.
“As a a critical accountability tool, we shall be using the JAR to promote multi sectoral coordination and sets clear priorities for the upcoming year, ensuring that all stakeholders remain alligned with national health goals”, Dr Salako enthused.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, asserted that the JAR offers a critical platform for stakeholders to access the health sector’s progress under the Sector Wide Approach.
“This includes key achievements in the Nigerian Health Sector Strategic Renewal Investment Initiative ( NHSRII) and preliminary findings from the Annual State of Health Report and the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey ( NDHS) 2023”, the Permanent Secretary stated.
Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry, Chairman Senate Committee on Health, representing the National Assembly expressed her optimism for the JAR’s accountability framework, saying, ” It is accountability at all levels, for stakeholders, government, politicians, and the community”.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Walter Molumbo, World Health Organization ( WHO) Country Director commended Nigeria’s strides in healthcare; stressing,
“JAR is a unique opportunity to support primary care by strengthening systems with one cohesive plan and budget. We are here to take stock and set our path forward”.
Signed
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director
Information & Public Relations
