Nigeria’s health sector stakeholders, on Tuesday, converged in Maiduguri, Borno, to discuss strategies for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The meeting was under the aegis of the National Council on Health (NCH).
The NCH serves as the apex platform for health policy formulation, enabling dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning among stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s health agenda.
The 2024 theme, “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” underscores the sector’s commitment to UHC as a key national priority.
Established by the National Health Act (2014), the NCH plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing health policies across the country.
It provides a collaborative platform for federal and state governments, development partners, civil societyorganisationss, and other stakeholders to address critical health challenges.
Chaired by the Honourable Minister of Health, the NCH includes commissioners of health from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Regular meetings of the council review health sector progress, address challenges, and make decisions that shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
Its core functions include policy development to enhance healthcare delivery, resource allocation to ensure equitable access, and coordination of efforts across all government tiers.
Other functions are stakeholder engagement to foster partnerships, and capacity building to support healthcare professionals and infrastructure improvements.
The NCH is supported by a technical committee that includes representatives from sectors such as the armed forces, health regulatory agencies, teaching hospitals, and traditional health practitioners.
At the commencement of the two-day technical session, stakeholders who spoke on the sidelines said that the 65th NCH reflected Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening its healthcare systems and accelerating progress toward UHC by 2030.
They said that by fostering collaboration and implementing strategic resolutions, the health sector aimed to ensure equitable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
At the 64th NCH meeting hosted by Ekiti in 2023, seven technical presentations were delivered, and 82 memoranda were reviewed.
This resulted in 18 memoranda recommended for approval, with 43 noted and 21 stepped down or withdrawn.
Key resolutions included:
- Strengthening bilateral agreements with countries hosting Nigerian health workers to enhance remittances, knowledge transfer, and workforce development.
- Institutionalising the Nigerian Diaspora Health Knowledge and Skills Repatriation Programme to convert “brain drain to brain gain.”
- Adopting maternal, infant, and young child nutrition training at state and local government levels.
- Commemorating Health Promotion Day to raise awareness of preventive healthcare.
- Implementing policies for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and adopting the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework.
- Establishing public-private partnership (PPP) units in health ministries and agencies to address infrastructural gaps, supported by dedicated budget lines.
- Promoting local production of anti-venom and implementing training manuals for snakebite management.
- Supporting the implementation of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Governance Manual.
- Standardised the National Drug Revolving Fund Scheme guidelines for nationwide adoption.
Building on the resolutions and achievements of the 64th NCH, the 65th NCH is expected to focus on introducing new health policies and refining existing ones to align with global best practices.
Key areas include expanded initiatives for health workforce development, updates to the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP), and frameworks prioritising sustainability and inclusivity in healthcare delivery.
With these efforts, stakeholders aim to address persistent health challenges and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring better outcomes for all citizens.
NAN
