65th National Council on Health: Paving the Way for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria by 2030
The 65th National Council on Health took place in Maiduguri, Borno State. The event gathered 1,150 attendees from various healthcare sectors. The main theme was “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage Strategies for 2030 Success.” This theme included three sub-themes:
- Health Workforce Development: Focusing on improving quality healthcare delivery in maternal and child health.
- Community Engagement and Health Promotion: Encouraging community involvement for better health outcomes.
- Innovations in Digital Health: Enhancing healthcare delivery through digital means.
The council aimed to strengthen healthcare strategies and programs to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. This was aided by a clear roadmap and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). This initiative is a collaborative effort among national and sub-national governments, civil society organizations, and health bodies.
During the meeting, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, stressed the importance of implementing the health renewal compact. He referenced the federal government’s medium-term expenditure framework, aiming for inclusive and equitable healthcare. Salako highlighted that ongoing industrial action in the health sector could hinder plans for renewal.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health, noted that the year ahead would focus on executing plans laid out in the strategic blueprint. He pointed out the need for community engagement and financial protection, especially for vulnerable groups.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, opened the council, emphasizing health as essential for societal progress. He committed the state to allocate 15% of its annual budget for health, aligned with the Abuja Declaration.
The council involved technical sessions that reviewed 81 memos, leading to decisions aimed at improving healthcare services, particularly for women, children, and the elderly.
Despite challenges, there is optimism for UHC, provided there is a concerted effort to enhance financial coverage, revitalize primary healthcare, and utilize digital innovations. Engaging citizens in this process is vital for building trust and accountability as the country works towards UHC.