The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria, Muhammad Pate, has emphasized the need for increased accountability from government entities at all levels regarding healthcare delivery. Speaking during the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, he urged citizens to demand better quality healthcare services from federal, state, and local governments. His call comes as part of broader efforts to foster a healthier nation, building on the initiatives and legacies of previous health ministers. Pate acknowledged the collective responsibility shared by the government and citizens to enhance the healthcare system, stating, “We’re building on the legacy of several health ministers who have come before us.”
In the course of the event, Pate announced the upcoming launch of the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Report, which aims to address the impact of climate change on health. He expressed a particular concern for the health and well-being of women and children, especially the economically disadvantaged populations in Nigeria. The minister stressed the importance of delivering an efficient and equitable healthcare system that safeguards the lives of those most at risk. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to healthcare improvement, noting that the health ministry has achieved 31 out of 41 Key Performance Indicators set forth in alignment with presidential commitments and is on track to exceed goals set for 2024.
Highlighting the challenge of improving healthcare services, Pate called for genuine partnerships among stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and the community. He acknowledged the support from state governors and the development partners, urging them to continue their collaborative efforts. Pate assured his audience of the federal government’s dedication to prioritizing healthcare in Nigeria. He expressed hope for stronger financial and technical alignment from development partners to effectively address health sector priorities.
Complementing Pate’s remarks, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the significance of the Joint Annual Review (JAR) as an essential mechanism for stakeholders to evaluate program performance, allocate resources appropriately, and review healthcare outcomes. Salako noted that the JAR would foster multisectoral coordination and clarify priorities for the upcoming year, ensuring that various stakeholders align with national health goals. By using JAR effectively, the health sector aims to enhance collaboration, accountability, and progress under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative.
Salako also highlighted the importance of focusing on critical health indicators such as mortality rates, disease prevalence, service utilization, life expectancy, and healthcare spending. He pointed out that improving the quality of healthcare and optimizing patients’ experiences remains a priority. He referenced the preliminary findings of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023 as a valuable resource for establishing baselines within the sector-wide approach. This data can support initiatives aimed at enhancing maternal health and addressing the human resource shortages faced by the health sector.
In conclusion, both Pate and Salako underscored the necessity for a collaborative approach to achieving Universal Health Coverage and enhancing health outcomes for all Nigerians. By promoting accountability, leveraging data for informed decision-making, and fostering multisectoral partnerships, the Nigerian health sector aims to address pressing challenges, improve service delivery, and ultimately secure the health and well-being of its citizens. Their appeals for concerted actions echo a vision for a healthier future, where every stakeholder plays a significant role in transforming healthcare delivery across the nation.
