Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced the upcoming launch of the country’s first-ever state of health report.
Speaking at a conference in Abuja on Thursday, the minister said this report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the nation’s healthcare system and chart a course for future improvements.
“The Joint Annual Review is a landmark conference where we collectively assess our progress,” Pate stated, emphasising the importance of collaboration among state governments, health commissioners, and development partners.
The review, scheduled for November, will serve as a foundation for the report, gathering data from various surveys, including the recently conducted People’s Perception Survey involving over 2,600 Nigerians.
The minister highlighted that the report will address critical issues in maternal and child healthcare, identifying 172 local governments responsible for over half of maternal mortality cases. “We will target these areas with the best interventions available,” he noted.
Pate also announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N10 billion for a Medical Relief Programme to supply essential drugs to flood-affected individuals. “This support aims to assist those most in need,” he added.
Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq, the National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide approach, emphasised that the upcoming Joint Annual Review will establish a baseline for future health targets and priorities. “Our goal is to ensure government resources are used efficiently for maximum impact,” he said.
This report will mark the beginning of an annual review process, promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare initiatives. “We will report back to the President and the National Council on Health,” Pate added, reinforcing the commitment to serve the Nigerian populace effectively.
