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Nigerian Govt Commits N12.911bn to Combat Maternal Mortality, Enhance Child Healthcare
By Comfort Olayinka
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating maternal mortality and improving child healthcare outcomes.
Prof. Alli Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized this commitment at the 8th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Abuja.
The Ministerial Oversight Committee plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring effective implementation, transparency, and accountability of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. The MOC oversees strategic direction, monitors fund disbursement, and aligns key agencies such as the NHIA, NPHCDA, NEMSAS, and NCDC.
Prof. Pate highlighted recent progress, including the addition of 2.4 million vulnerable individuals to the national health insurance scheme, enhancing affordability for the poor. He praised states like Anambra for their effective implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
He stated, “If you look at the data again, you will discover that 2.4 million additional enrollees have been included in the vulnerable group fund over the last year, which means they can afford healthcare. We also know that there are resources to ensure affordability, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations.”
Regarding the implementation of BHCPF, Prof. Pate noted, “Some states are doing well, such as Anambra; but it’s a journey, and we’re on that journey together with the FG, working with the states and all stakeholders.”
The Sector Wide Approach, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023, aims to strengthen healthcare governance through collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, civil societies, and private sector stakeholders. Key initiatives include training 150,000 primary healthcare workers.
“As you have heard, the training of integrated healthcare workers is underway. We have announced that we will train about 150,000 primary healthcare workers as part of the President’s initiative; 40,000 have already been retrained, and more will be trained going forward.”
The 8th Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Morufu Tunji Alausa, yielded significant resolutions, including the approval of ₦12.911 billion for disbursement to key health agencies and the adoption of the revised BHCPF 2.0 Guideline. A subcommittee will address disbursement delays.
The Minister expressed optimism about achieving Nigeria’s health objectives, citing President Tinubu’s leadership as the African Union champion on human resources for health. With continued collaboration and reforms, Prof. Pate envisions a future where maternal mortality is eradicated and child healthcare outcomes significantly improve.
“We are seeing the execution proceeding, and the governance of it is also improving collectively between the federal, state, and local governments, civil societies, development partners, and the private sector coming together to discuss issues around funding and ensure resources reach the frontlines.”
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the World Health Organization’s Country Representative to Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm for Nigeria’s advancements in healthcare. He emphasized the importance of strengthening primary care, a goal Nigeria is actively pursuing through initiatives like the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Basic Health Provision Fund program.
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