In a significant boost to the country’s healthcare, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to universal health coverage, prioritizing primary healthcare and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
At a recent gathering, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, National Assembly, and partner organizations convened to discuss strategies for advancing healthcare services.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare , Pro Ali Pate represented by the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina declared that reduction of Child and Maternal mortality is a topmost area of focus in the renewed hope Agenda of the present Administration.
He stressed further that despite the significant increase in resources allocated to the health sector, the need to invest more in the health sector cannot be overemphasised.
“We recognize the crucial role that our partners play in complementing the government’s efforts. By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.”
Aina highlighted the progress made in revitalizing primary healthcare, citing increased funding and sector-wide approaches.
“While funding has increased substantially this year, we need to do more. We’re counting on our partners’ support to improve spending and finance for the health sector,” Aina stated.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system, addressing maternal and child mortality, and promoting preventive measures.
As Aina noted, “Investing in healthcare is investing in our nation’s future. We must continue to prioritize primary healthcare, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting preventive measures.”
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) will continue to play a vital role in driving this vision forward, working closely with stakeholders to ensure improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.
According to Aina, the NPHCDA’s strategic plan aligns with the federal government’s priorities. The agency aims to enhance primary healthcare services, ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality care. Additionally, the NPHCDA will focus on improving healthcare financing, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and promoting community engagement.
The agency aims to leverage partnerships and collaborations to achieve these objectives.
Stakeholders praised the government’s renewed commitment to healthcare, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts.
“The progress made so far is encouraging, but we must maintain momentum,” said Dr. Samma, a senior advisor to the president.
The Special Adviser to the president on Health, Dr Salman Ibrahim in his remark pointed out the need to bridge the gap between the Health Managers and policy makers in the quest the quest to accelerate the reduction of maternal deaths and overall improvement of maternal Health in the country.
“This National Dialogue is necessitated by the need for the Legislators to be more conversant with what need to be done at policy level” She added.
The WHO country representative, Dr Walter Mulomba stated that considering the 2030 SDG goal on health, the journey to meet the target of reducing child and maternal mortality is very long.
“Inequality between zones and states , environmental degradation, shocks and crisis are aggravating child and maternal mortality cases. He further added that increase in the allocation of resources and technology and innovation be deployed to accelerate reduction of child and maternal mortality.”
Also, the Chaiman of Health committee (secondary and Tertiary) Dr IpaliboBanigo recognized poor funding and poor insurance as bane of the health sector.
She charged law makers to channel fund for constituency projects to health insurance as another strategy to accelerate the reduction of child and maternal mortality.
“A child that is well educated and a woman that is well empowered would seek for quality health service” she declared.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together to achieve universal health coverage and improved health outcomes for Nigerians.
As the country moves forward, the NPHCDA and its partners remain dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare.
