The Federal Government has pledged to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across the health sector, including telemedicine, interoperable electronic health records, and a national health information exchange system to improve access to quality healthcare services for Nigerians.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Adekunle Salako, made the commitment at an event marking World Health Day in Abuja, organised by the ministry. Salako noted that technology is transforming healthcare globally from telemedicine to artificial intelligence in diagnostics and digital health records, adding that the government is determined to ensure Nigeria keeps pace with these trends so citizens can benefit from world-class services.

He observed that Nigeria’s health sector, like many others worldwide, continues to face longstanding structural challenges, including gaps in the health workforce, migration of skilled professionals, poor electricity supply to health facilities, and limited local manufacturing capacity for medicines, vaccines, and other health commodities. He stressed that these challenges require sustained and coordinated action.

The minister emphasised that science remains the foundation of public health progress, noting that innovations ranging from vaccines and diagnostics to pharmaceuticals and digital health systems continue to save millions of lives annually.

According to him, Nigeria’s health system must respond to a complex epidemiological transition marked by a high burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV alongside a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and cancers.

Salako said government policies and interventions would be guided by credible data and evidence, to build a more responsive, equitable, and resilient health system capable of meeting present and future needs.

“We are clear in our vision for the country’s health sector, where every Nigerian, regardless of income level, geographic location, or social status, should have access to quality healthcare services when they need them, without suffering financial hardship,” he said. “Healthcare should not depend on a person’s ability to pay, but be accessible to all and available at the point of need as a fundamental right of citizenship.”

He described this year’s World Health Day theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” as timely, urging governments, scientists, health professionals, and communities to ensure that health policies and decisions are guided by evidence, research, and collaboration. Salako also underscored the importance of rebuilding trust in science and evidence-based policymaking, stressing that health decisions must be guided by data, knowledge, and collective responsibility.

He noted that global health security depends on the ability to monitor and respond to threats emerging at the interface of humans, animals, and ecosystems, adding that Nigeria has fully embraced the One Health approach.

Citing Nigeria’s experience with zoonotic outbreaks, including the ongoing response to Lassa fever, the minister stressed the importance of coordinated surveillance and response across sectors.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among health, agriculture, environment, and research institutions to ensure early detection and effective response to emerging health threats.

He added that climate change is increasingly affecting health outcomes through rising temperatures, flooding, shifting disease patterns, and environmental degradation, further underscoring the need for integrated, science-driven approaches that protect both human and environmental health.

Salako assured that the government would continue implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the health system and expanding access to quality care, with a focus on primary healthcare as the foundation.

He said efforts are ongoing to upgrade primary healthcare centres, strengthen the workforce, improve supply chains for essential medicines, and expand access to life-saving services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

According to him, utilisation of primary healthcare services has risen significantly from about 10 million visits in early 2024 to approximately 45 million by mid-2025, reflecting growing public confidence in the system.

The minister also highlighted the Power for Health Initiative, which aims to address energy deficits in health facilities and ensure that at least 30 per cent are sustainably powered by 2027.

He commended the World Health Organisation for its longstanding support in strengthening disease surveillance, emergency response systems, immunisation coverage, and maternal and child health in Nigeria.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said the ministry has continued to pursue reforms aimed at improving access to affordable and equitable healthcare services.

She stressed the need to build resilient health systems capable of responding to current and emerging challenges, noting that World Health Day provides an opportunity for Nigeria to reflect on progress, renew commitments, and strengthen collective efforts to improve the health and well-being of all citizens.