Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate has announced ambitious targets to improve health outcomes for mothers and children.
Speaking at the 2025 Strategic Health Summit in Abuja, Pate said, “We aim to reduce the maternal mortality rate by 20% and the under-five mortality rate by 15% within the next four years,” Pate stated, emphasising the administration’s focus on healthcare improvements.
Represented by the Director of Health Planning, Kamil Shoretire, Pate outlined additional goals, including a 20% increase in immunisation coverage. “The government is determined to expand health insurance enrollment, targeting a 20% yearly increase in coverage for Nigerians,” he added.
To tackle workforce shortages, the minister revealed plans to train more health workers, addressing a critical gap in the healthcare system. “Revitalising our healthcare infrastructure is essential to positioning Nigeria as a global medical tourism destination,” Pate noted.
However, challenges loom over these initiatives. The slow implementation of the Health Sector Renewal Compact raises concerns about the effectiveness of proposed reforms. “While the compact aims to enhance governance and service delivery, many underserved communities still feel its absence,” Shoretire stated.
