The Federal Government has revealed that over 2,600 healthcare facilities are in advanced stages of revitalisation, with an additional 2,000 facilities earmarked for similar upgrades.

This effort aims to make primary healthcare centres fully operational across the nation.

It further disclosed that direct facility disbursements totalling N45 billion have been allocated to states, ensuring resources reach the populace directly.

This information was shared by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, in his keynote address at the 2024 Nigeria Health Sector-wide Joint Annual Review held in Abuja. The review carried the theme, “It’s For All of Us, Accelerating Our Health Sector Reform Together.”

The Minister further noted that the federal government has mobilised over $3 billion in complementary funding, including $2.1 billion already confirmed, to support its efforts.

“With assistance from our partners, we mobilised more than $3 billion in complementary funding, including $2.1 billion confirmed, which strengthens the federal government’s initiatives.”

“For the first time, we have fulfilled two major commitments: conducting this Joint Annual Review and presenting the State of Health Report for Nigeria. These reports reflect our dedication to transparency, accountability, and measurable progress.”

He added that in line with the President’s commitment to bolstering the health workforce, they have set a target to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers.

“More than 40,000 workers have already received training, and we are on track to meet and exceed this goal.”

“Through the SWAp Coordinating Office, led by Dr. Muntaqa, every state has now developed and hosted their Annual Operational Plans (AOPs), identifying gaps and paving the way for future collaborations with our partners focused on population health outcomes.”

“Our commitment to improving population health outcomes has yielded tangible results. Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicates a 16.7% reduction in under-five mortality between 2018 and 2023.”

“We have also recorded a 40% reduction in cases of diarrhoeal diseases, a 24% reduction in tuberculosis, and a 12% reduction in HIV prevalence, all demonstrating the impact of our collective efforts.”

“Despite ongoing challenges, Nigeria is moving in the right direction. Seventeen states have shown marked improvement in modern contraceptive usage, with six states doubling their efforts.”

“I am pleased to commend Imo State, represented here by His Excellency the Governor, as one of the highest-performing states in contraceptive use and state health insurance coverage.”

“Following the Executive Order signed by Mr. President, at least 40 businesses have submitted cases for investment in local manufacturing.”

“Through our memorandum of understanding with Afreximbank, we have secured $1 billion to bolster healthcare financing. Simultaneously, we are making steady strides in health security.”

Pate added that survey results reveal approximately half of Nigerians support the health system’s current trajectory under Mr. President’s administration, with over half expressing confidence in the government’s ability to manage health emergencies—an increase of 17% compared to 2023.

However, he noted that areas for improvement remain, highlighting, “While we have made progress in healthcare affordability and insurance coverage, more effort is needed to ensure quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.”

“The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority is working tirelessly to enhance the quality of care and user experience, but we recognise there is more work to do. Routine immunisation rates and coverage for zero-dose children also need our urgent focus.”

“The slight increase in immunisation coverage between DHS cycles shows we must redouble our efforts.”

“Rates of malnutrition and stunting remain high, calling for renewed action and investment. These figures represent real lives—families, communities, and children depending on us to deliver these improvements.”

“In response to these findings, particularly concerning high maternal mortality rates, we have identified 174 high-burden local governments across Nigeria that account for 50% of maternal deaths.

“To address this, we have launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Investment Initiative. This reflects our resolve to end maternal mortality, and with our current momentum, I believe this is achievable.”

“The State of Health Report, while underscoring progress, also highlights ongoing challenges, particularly with data reliability and execution.”

“We are committed to refining data sources and ensuring we establish a single, high-quality information source to guide our investments at both federal and state levels.”