Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to improving citizens health, emphasizing that healthcare remains a cornerstone of national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare,Izaiah Adekunle Salako made this known during a ministerial briefing in Abuja to mark World Health Day which commemorates the establishment of the World Health Organization.
Addressing this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” Salako described it as both relevant and urgent.
He said it underscores the need for stronger cooperation among governments, researchers, healthcare professionals, and communities to ensure policies are guided by evidence and innovation.
According to the minister, science continues to play a vital role in advancing public health, from diagnostics to pharmaceuticals and digital health systems.
He stressed that Nigeria is prioritizing data-driven and research-based approaches in shaping its healthcare interventions.
Salako also highlighted the country’s adoption of the One Health approach, an integrated strategy that connects human, animal, and environmental health.
He noted that this model will enhance collaboration across sectors and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond to emerging health threats.
He acknowledged the longstanding support of the World’s Health Organization crediting it with helping Nigeria improve disease surveillance, emergency response, immunization, and maternal and child health outcomes.
Despite ongoing challenges in the sector, the minister said the government is implementing reforms and investments through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to address structural gaps.
Salako reiterated the administration’s goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship.
Providing updates on progress, Salako said primary healthcare services are expanding, with patient visits rising from about 10 million in early 2024 to roughly 45 million by mid-2025.
He also reported major strides in immunization efforts, noting that more than 14 million girls have received the HPV vaccine, while a nationwide measles-rubella campaign has reached over 102 million children, achieving near-universal coverage.
On maternal and child health, he revealed that targeted interventions under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative have contributed to a 17 percent decline in maternal deaths in participating facilities.
In terms of financial protection, over 21 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance schemes, marking a significant increase since 2023. Efforts are ongoing to expand coverage, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Salako further commended state governments and local health institutions for their role in improving access to care, describing their contributions as essential to achieving national targets.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom emphasized that health is critical to economic growth, social stability, and overall development. She reaffirmed the ministry’s focus on strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance, and advancing digital health solutions.
Also speaking, Pavel Ursu praised Nigeria’s improvements in disease surveillance and outbreak response, citing enhanced laboratory systems and data management.
However, he cautioned that inequality and declining public trust in science could hinder further progress.
Representatives of development partners, including the United Nations Population Fund, also stressed the importance of evidence-based policies and collective action in sustaining health sector gains.
The event featured the unveiling of the 2025 National Health Facility Survey, which showed that about 70 percent of public health facilities now offer delivery and antenatal services an indication of expanding access to essential healthcare across the country.
