Health Sector Stakeholders Meet in Maiduguri to Fast-Track Universal Health Coverage

Health sector stakeholders across Nigeria convened on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to strategize on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

The meeting was organized under the aegis of the National Council on Health (NCH), the apex platform for health policy formulation and strategic dialogue in the country.

The 2024 meeting, themed “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” reaffirms UHC as a key national priority and underscores the health sector’s commitment to equitable and inclusive healthcare.

Established under the National Health Act (2014), the NCH plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing health policies across Nigeria. It brings together federal and state governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to tackle critical health challenges.

Chaired by the Honourable Minister of Health, the NCH includes commissioners of health from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The council regularly reviews progress in the health sector, addresses emerging challenges, and formulates decisions that shape the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Key responsibilities of the NCH include:

Developing policies to enhance healthcare delivery.

Allocating resources to ensure equitable access.

Coordinating health initiatives across federal, state, and local levels.

Fostering stakeholder partnerships.

Supporting capacity building for healthcare professionals and infrastructure.

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The council is supported by a technical committee comprising representatives from various sectors, including the armed forces, regulatory agencies, teaching hospitals, and traditional health practitioners.

At the opening of the two-day technical session, stakeholders expressed optimism about Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening healthcare systems and accelerating progress toward UHC. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic decision-making in ensuring equitable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

Progress from the 64th NCH Meeting

During the 64th NCH meeting held in Ekiti State in 2023, the council reviewed 82 memoranda and made key resolutions, including:

1. Strengthening bilateral agreements with countries employing Nigerian health workers to improve remittances, knowledge transfer, and workforce development.

2. Institutionalizing the Nigerian Diaspora Health Knowledge and Skills Repatriation Programme to transform “brain drain” into “brain gain.”

3. Promoting maternal, infant, and young child nutrition through local government-level training.

4. Instituting Health Promotion Day to increase awareness of preventive healthcare.

5. Implementing policies for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including adopting the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework.

6. Establishing public-private partnership (PPP) units in health ministries to address infrastructural gaps, backed by dedicated budget lines.

7. Supporting the local production of anti-venom and training healthcare providers in snakebite management.

8. Standardizing the National Drug Revolving Fund Scheme for nationwide adoption.

Focus of the 65th NCH Meeting

Building on the resolutions from the previous year, the 65th NCH meeting aims to refine existing policies and introduce new strategies to align with global best practices. Key areas of focus include:

Expanding initiatives for health workforce development.

Updating the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP).

Promoting sustainability and inclusivity in healthcare delivery.

Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of addressing persistent health challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, workforce shortages, and rising cases of non-communicable diseases.

With these concerted efforts, the NCH seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensure better health outcomes for all citizens.