As part of its drive to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
This announcement comes ahead of the annual UHC Day, observed on December 12 to recognize global progress toward UHC and to emphasize the importance of resilient health systems. The theme for the 2023 UHC Day is “Health for All: Time for Action.”
Pate explained that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aims to reform the country’s health system by addressing critical gaps, particularly the inequitable access to healthcare and poor population health outcomes. He noted that the initiative would be formally signed in Abuja by various levels of government and development partners as part of the UHC Day celebrations.
“The effort to achieve UHC in Nigeria requires a multi-sectoral, whole-of-government approach. The government has developed the NHSRII as a key strategy for improving the nation’s journey towards UHC,” Pate said.
Key components of the initiative include expanding access to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in collaboration with state governments and development partners. The initiative will take a sector-wide approach to improving healthcare outcomes by making significant investments in infrastructure, human resources, and community engagement.
Plans under the initiative involve training additional healthcare professionals and providing at least 17,000 functional primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the country. This aligns with the objectives of Nigeria’s National Health Act, which aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all citizens.
Pate emphasized that improving primary healthcare facilities, increasing the healthcare workforce, and fostering active community participation will be central to the initiative’s success. “The initiative will assess existing facilities, enhance infrastructure, and ensure a sufficient workforce to deliver quality healthcare,” he said.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), also highlighted the importance of strengthening the primary healthcare system to build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of Nigeria’s population.
The NHSRII is seen as a crucial step in Nigeria’s efforts to realize UHC by 2030, ensuring that all Nigerians, especially those in underserved areas, have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
