FG targets universal health coverage through science-driven reforms

The Federal Government has said it is pursuing universal health coverage through sustained, science-driven reforms aimed at expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that evidence-based policies, research, and innovation are central to the government’s health sector transformation agenda.

He explained that the current reform efforts are aligned with the theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” which emphasizes the importance of stronger reliance on data, scientific collaboration, and informed decision-making in addressing health challenges.

Salako said science remains the foundation of public health progress, from vaccines and diagnostics to digital health systems, stressing that Nigeria is committed to ensuring that credible data guide all interventions.

He also highlighted the adoption of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems, noting that the country’s experience with infectious diseases such as Lassa fever has demonstrated the need for coordinated surveillance and response.

The minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritising healthcare under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing health as a fundamental right that should not depend on income or social status.

He, however, acknowledged longstanding challenges in the sector, including workforce shortages, migration of skilled professionals, inadequate power supply in health facilities, and dependence on imported medical supplies, as well as the rising burden of both infectious and non-communicable diseases.

Despite these constraints, Salako said the government is implementing wide-ranging reforms under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to strengthen institutions, improve financing, and enhance collaboration across all levels of care.

According to him, primary healthcare remains the cornerstone of the reform agenda, with utilisation increasing from about 10 million visits in early 2024 to approximately 45 million by mid-2025, indicating growing public confidence.

On immunisation, he disclosed that over 14 million girls aged 9 to 14 have received the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, while more than 102 million children have been covered with the measles-rubella vaccine, achieving nearly universal coverage.

Addressing maternal and child health, Salako said targeted interventions under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) have led to a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths in participating facilities.

He added that over 232 comprehensive emergency obstetric care centres have been upgraded, with more than 16 million women and nearly two million newborns benefiting from improved services nationwide.

The minister also highlighted efforts to reduce the financial burden of healthcare through expanded insurance coverage, revealing that more than 21.7 million Nigerians are now enrolled in various schemes, representing a 33 per cent increase since late 2023.

He noted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has strengthened disease surveillance and emergency response systems, particularly in managing recurrent outbreaks such as Lassa fever.

Salako further said regulatory agencies are enhancing oversight to ensure the safety and quality of medicines and vaccines, while research institutions are advancing local solutions in diagnostics and pharmaceutical development.

He emphasised the role of the private sector in driving healthcare delivery and local manufacturing, adding that initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain are boosting domestic production of essential health commodities.

On digital health, the minister said the Nigeria Digital-in-Health Initiative is accelerating the adoption of telemedicine, electronic health records, and data systems to improve access and decision-making.

ALSO READ: ADC crisis: Nafiu Bala not yet born when David Mark became military gov — Omokri

He also stressed the need to address broader determinants of health, including power supply, sanitation, education, and climate change, noting that cross-sector collaboration remains critical to achieving sustainable outcomes.

Salako commended state governments for their role in implementing health programmes at the subnational level, as well as health workers for their continued dedication.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing domestic financing through mechanisms such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, which has disbursed about N215 billion since 2023 to strengthen primary healthcare services.

The minister called on stakeholders to support ongoing reforms, stressing that achieving universal health coverage requires collective action and sustained commitment.

“Health for all Nigerians is not merely an aspiration; it is a commitment we must collectively uphold,” he said.

Trust science, verified health information — WHO urges Nigerians

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged Nigerians to rely on verified sources of health information and trust science to achieve better health outcomes.

The WHO Representative in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja after a health walk organised to commemorate this year’s World Health Day.

Ursu explained that World Health Day is marked every April 7 to commemorate the establishment of WHO in 1946 and to raise awareness about key health issues. He noted that this year’s theme, “Together, for health, we stand with science,” underscores the critical role of scientific evidence in improving public health.

According to him, many of the gains recorded globally in disease control and life-saving interventions are rooted in science and its practical application in healthcare delivery.

He added that simple activities such as regular physical exercise, including walking, have been scientifically proven to reduce health risks and save lives.

He stressed that the commemoration also serves as a platform to promote health literacy and responsible information sharing, warning that misinformation could undermine progress in critical areas such as immunisation, maternal and child health, and disease prevention.

Ursu pointed out that the growing number of information channels, including social media and influencers, has made it more difficult for people to distinguish accurate health information from misleading content. He, therefore, advised Nigerians to critically evaluate the sources of any health advice and ensure such information comes from credible and trusted platforms.

He further noted that improving health literacy at the community level remains critical, as informed citizens are better equipped to make decisions that protect their well-being. Ursu added that partnerships between government agencies, development organisations, and community leaders would be key to ensuring accurate health information reaches grassroots populations.

The WHO representative also emphasised the need for sustained investment in public health communication strategies, including the use of local languages and culturally relevant messaging, to counter misinformation and build trust in scientific recommendations.

He emphasised that adherence to scientifically proven guidance remains essential to saving lives and improving overall health outcomes, noting that sustained progress in Nigeria’s health sector depends largely on evidence-based interventions.

Also speaking, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kamil Shoretire, reiterated the need for proper scrutiny of health information before it is shared with the public.

Shoretire said that the increasing spread of unverified health claims, particularly on digital platforms, poses a significant risk to public health efforts, as it can lead to poor health choices and resistance to proven medical interventions.

He added that institutions and professionals involved in health communication must uphold high standards of accuracy and ensure that any information disseminated to the public is backed by credible evidence and aligns with national health policies.

According to him, strengthening research systems and data-driven decision-making processes within the health sector would further enhance the credibility of information shared with Nigerians and improve overall service delivery.

He also called for greater collaboration between the government, the media, and civil society organisations to promote responsible reporting and dissemination of health information, noting that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and behaviour.