SWAp highlighted the crucial impact of the N1.17 trillion health budget for 2024, marking the largest allocation in Nigeria's history, in facilitating these achievements.
Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, the National Coordinator of SWAp, made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Umar-Sadiq noted that the administration's dedication to healthcare is reflected in the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and a formal Compact established with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He emphasized that these initiatives are designed to foster a health system that is equitable, resilient, and accessible to all Nigerians.
“At the core of these reforms is the revitalisation of over 2,100 primary healthcare centers (PHCs), with another 3,000 on track to be operational by the end of 2025.
"These upgrades mean that no Nigerian will need to travel more than five kilometers to access essential healthcare.
“For women who will no longer have to walk 10 kilometers to reach a clinic while pregnant, these changes are life-saving,” he said.
He stated that this advancement was supported by a N46 billion Direct Financing Facility, allocated through the restructured Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to more than 8,000 facilities.
Umar-Sadiq noted that the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) is addressing Nigeria's maternal and newborn health challenges in 172 local government areas with high burden.
” Tools like Joint Annual Reviews (JARs) and real-time dashboards have driven accountability and efficiency in the use of resources.
“Poor and vulnerable women now have access to free cesarean sections under the expanded National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) package, while the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) ensures emergency transport.
“Amina, a young mother from Bauchi State, is among thousands of women whose lives have been saved through these interventions,” he said.
Nigeria is also ramping up its efforts to combat infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
“Over one million doses of the R21 malaria vaccine have been rolled out in high-burden states like Kebbi and Bayelsa, supported by partnerships with GAVI and The Global Fund.
“Nigeria has also strengthened its health security infrastructure.
“Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) have been established in all geopolitical zones, and enhanced genomic surveillance systems now allow faster detection of diseases like diphtheria and monkeypox,” he said.
He stated that the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report has established the country as a frontrunner in the integration of climate resilience within its health systems.
He noted that more than 53,000 frontline health workers have undergone retraining, with a goal of reaching 120,000 within the next three years.
He mentioned that the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) has facilitated one billion dollars in investments and completed 74 business cases aimed at enhancing local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Sadiq also pointed out President Tinubu’s designation as the African Union Champion for Health Workforce Development, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in tackling workforce issues across the continent.
“The First Lady of Nigeria has also been appointed as the National and Global Champion for Tuberculosis, amplifying Nigeria’s voice in tackling this global health challenge,” he remarked.
Discussing the challenges and future prospects, Umar-Sadiq acknowledged that despite these accomplishments, issues such as geographic disparities in healthcare access, high out-of-pocket health costs, and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases remain significant.
Nevertheless, he conveyed a sense of optimism, highlighting that public confidence in the health system has risen from 37 percent in 2023 to 54 percent in 2024.
“These reforms are anchored in the leadership and vision of Mr President, that no Nigerian woman will lose her life giving birth, no child will suffer for lack of care.
“The vision js is also to ensure that no family will face financial ruin from illness,” he said.
Through significant reforms, enhanced investments, and decisive leadership, he asserted that the nation is progressing towards establishing a health system that ensures inclusivity, fostering hope and opportunities for future generations.
NAN recalls that on December 12, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that health had regained its status as a top priority in Nigeria’s policy agenda.
This announcement marked a crucial turning point, reflecting a renewed dedication to the health and well-being of Nigerians as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
With this ambitious vision, the administration initiated the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and formalized agreements with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
This action launched a transformative effort to reconstruct Nigeria’s health system into one that is fair, resilient, and accessible to everyone.
Central to these reforms is the NHSRII, which offers a cohesive framework aimed at eliminating inefficiencies, minimizing fragmentation, and harmonizing efforts among all levels of government, the private sector, and development partners.
Driven by the principle of “one vision, one conversation, one budget, one report,” the NHSRII has successfully attracted over three billion dollars in external funding, with substantial domestic investments anticipated over the next four years.
This comprehensive approach has positioned Nigeria as a frontrunner in health systems accountability throughout Africa.