The World Bank has pledged steadfast support for Nigeria’s health sector, announcing a partnership to transform healthcare through data-driven policies, strategic funding and robust intergovernmental collaboration at the inaugural Health Sector Joint Annual Meeting.
Country director for the World Bank Group, Dr. Ndiame Diop made this commitment at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to assess progress in the health sector, focusing on the effectiveness of the sector-wide approach (SWAp).
Science Nigeria reports that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its health sector to provide equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens, irrespective of location or status.
Commending the Nigerian government, Diop acknowledged the ambitious Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aimed at addressing long-standing health challenges by uniting federal, state and local governments alongside global partners under a unified vision.
Diop stated that the initiative targets critical issues in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health—areas where progress has been limited since 2014, as highlighted in the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
“As a newcomer, I was frankly surprised by Nigeria’s health indicators, which don’t reflect the country’s status as Africa’s largest economy,” Diop remarked. “While our goals are noble, we need to intensify efforts to improve health outcomes across the board.”
He emphasised the role of data-driven, evidence-based policymaking, which enables the government to prioritise resources, enhance accountability and make health interventions more effective.
Diop also announced the mobilisation of $750 million in collaboration with the Global Financing Facility, the Children’s Investment Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
“These funds will support result-oriented programs and foster greater cooperation among Nigeria’s federal, state and local governments. Accountability is critical to the success of this initiative. By grounding our approach in transparent, measurable outcomes, we build public trust and ensure health resources are wisely allocated,” he said.
He assured that the World Bank’s support would go beyond financial resources, offering global expertise to help Nigeria achieve meaningful improvements in health system performance, governance, and service delivery.
WHO representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Molumbo urged Nigeria and its partners to use the event as a catalyst for concrete actions aligned with the UN Agenda for Action.
Molumbo emphasised the importance of strengthening health systems, particularly maternal care, through a unified strategy of “one plan, one budget, one report and one conversation,” aimed at fostering cohesive, sustainable and equitable health services.
He outlined five key actions: improving maternal and community health services, supporting both health services and basic economic needs, reaching marginalised communities via public-private partnerships, streamlining efforts with data-driven programming and building stronger capacities in production, data management and innovation.
Through these efforts, Molumbo envisions Nigeria making significant strides toward sustainable development and an effective public health response.
Chief of country delivery at Gavi, Mr. Thabani Maphosa affirmed Gavi’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health reforms, particularly through the SWAp initiative.
Using the metaphor of “smelling rain,” Maphosa conveyed a sense of imminent progress. He acknowledged past challenges but stressed that Gavi’s success is closely tied to Nigeria’s progress. “Gavi is fully committed to the SWAp, believes in its potential and has already contributed $194 million in alignment with this initiative.”
He highlighted the importance of mutual accountability, sacrifice and institutional alignment for achieving success. “Gavi is ready to learn alongside Nigeria and urges all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring the success of Nigeria’s health reforms,” he said.
This approach, he added, embodies shared responsibility and hope for a better future in Nigeria’s health system.
Earlier, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ms. Kachalom Daju reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and measurable outcomes in the health sector.
Daju emphasised that the Joint Annual Review focused on tracking progress against set goals to hold stakeholders accountable, optimise resources and make tangible improvements in public health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
She explained that this focus ensures that efforts translate into real, positive changes in the health and well-being of Nigerians, ultimately driving a more resilient, equitable and responsive health system.
The three-day event is expected to set priorities for the next phase of Nigeria’s health sector reforms and explore solutions to the ongoing challenges within the country’s healthcare system.
