The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, revealed that N45 billion has been directly allocated to over 8,000 Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Speaking at the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, Pate highlighted ongoing health reforms to improve access and services across the country.

“The Basic Health Care Provision Fund 2.0 reform uses equity considerations in distributing financial and human resources,” Pate stated. He added that an additional N3 billion in complementary funding has been mobilized, aiding the Federal Government’s health initiatives. Pate noted that 2,600 facilities are in late-stage upgrades, with 2,000 more scheduled for revitalization.

To strengthen healthcare staff, Pate announced, “120,000 frontline health workers will be retrained. More than 40,000 have already undergone retraining.” He also reported reductions in infectious diseases, with a 40% decrease in diarrheal diseases, 24% in tuberculosis, and 12% in HIV.

Governor Hope Uzodinma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, acknowledged the sector’s progress but highlighted high under-five and infant mortality rates as urgent concerns. “While we have seen improvements, these figures remain unacceptably high. We must continue to work together,” Uzodinma stressed. He reaffirmed the Governors’ Forum’s commitment to enhancing health outcomes.

Pate also cited partnerships with Afreximbank for local manufacturing, a billion-dollar credit line, and public support for the health sector’s progress, with over half of Nigerians expressing confidence in the government’s health management.