In a pivotal move for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the upcoming release of the country’s first-ever State of Health Report.
The report will present a comprehensive overview of the health sector, including key insights into healthcare delivery, maternal and child health, and overall system performance. Pate shared this development at a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing pressing health concerns and setting a roadmap for the future.
“This report will mark a transformative moment for Nigeria, showing where we are, where we need to go, and how we can ensure equitable and quality healthcare across the nation,” Pate stated. The report will be based on findings from the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) in November, a milestone gathering that brings together state officials, health commissioners, and international partners to evaluate progress and challenges in the sector.
Reflecting on extensive data gathered from 23 Demographic and Health Surveys and public feedback through the People’s Perceptions Survey, Pate emphasized that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement in healthcare. “We’ve listened to Nigerians across all states to understand their views on the health system,” he said, explaining that these insights are vital to the President’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative.
The report also highlights targeted strategies for improving maternal and child health, with a special focus on 172 local governments that account for over half of the country’s maternal mortality rates. “Now that we have identified these high-need areas, we can tailor interventions more effectively,” Pate added.
President Bola Tinubu has recently approved N10 billion for the Medical Relief Programme, supporting access to essential medicines and aid for flood-affected regions, with N5 billion allocated to both the Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq, National Coordinator for the Sector-Wide approach, explained that this year’s JAR will establish a baseline for future goals, strengthening the collaboration between state and federal entities for efficient healthcare delivery.
The first State of Health Report marks the beginning of annual public updates, promising increased accountability and continuous improvement in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
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