Nigeria’s health sector gathered on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to strategise on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The meeting, under the auspices of the National Council on Health (NCH), serves as Nigeria’s apex platform for health policy formulation. It facilitates dialogue, knowledge exchange and strategic planning among stakeholders to advance the country’s health agenda.
Science Nigeria reports that this year’s theme, “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” underscores the sector’s commitment to UHC as a national priority.
Established by the National Health Act (2014), the NCH enables federal and state governments, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to collaboratively address critical health challenges. Chaired by the Minister of Health, the NCH includes commissioners of health from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The council’s core functions include developing policies to enhance healthcare delivery, ensuring equitable resource allocation, coordinating efforts across government tiers, fostering stakeholder partnerships and building capacity for healthcare professionals.
At the opening of the two-day technical session, stakeholders noted that the 65th NCH reflects Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening its healthcare systems and advancing UHC by 2030. They emphasised fostering collaboration and implementing strategic resolutions to ensure equitable, quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
Science Nigeria recalls that the 64th NCH resulted in several key resolutions, including strengthening bilateral agreements with countries hosting Nigerian health workers, institutionalising the Diaspora Health Knowledge Repatriation Program, adopting maternal and child nutrition training at local levels, and commemorating Health Promotion Day. Other resolutions focused on addressing non-communicable diseases, implementing the Antimicrobial Resistance Governance Manual, and promoting local production of anti-venom.
Building on these achievements, the 65th NCH aims to introduce new health policies and refine existing ones to align with global best practices. Key focus areas include health workforce development, updates to the National Strategic Health Development Plan and ensuring sustainability in healthcare delivery.
With these efforts, Nigeria seeks to address persistent health challenges and strengthen its healthcare system for better outcomes nationwide.
