The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal health coverage, by prioritising quality primary healthcare services through collaborative efforts with stakeholders.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, stated this at a meeting between the Federal Ministry of Health, National Assembly, and partner organisations convened to discuss strategies for advancing healthcare services in Abuja.

He noted that investing in healthcare is critical to the country’s future and stressed the need to prioritise primary healthcare, address the root causes of health issues and promote preventive measures for various health problems affecting Nigerians.

The minister, who was represented by the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, noted that despite the significant increase in resources allocated to the health sector, it is imperative to invest more in the sector to enable Nigerians have access to quality and affordable health care services.

Pate highlighted the progress made in revitalising primary healthcare, citing increased funding and sector-wide approaches. “While funding has increased substantially this year, we need to do more. We’re counting on our partners’ support to improve spending and finance for the health sector.

“We recognise the crucial role that our partners play in complementing the government’s efforts. By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their location or socio-economic status,” he said.

He observed that the NPHCDA’s strategic plan aligns with the government’s priorities, adding that the agency aims to enhance primary healthcare services, ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality care.

The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salman Ibrahim, pointed out the need to bridge the gap between health managers and policymakers to accelerate the reduction of maternal deaths and overall improvement of maternal health in the country.

“This National Dialogue is necessitated by the need for the Legislators to be more conversant with what needs to be done at the policy level. The progress made so far is encouraging, but we must maintain momentum,” she added.

The WHO country representative, Dr Walter Mulomba, stated that considering the 2030 SDG goal on health, the journey to meet the target of reducing child and maternal mortality is long. “Inequality between zones and states, environmental degradation, shocks and crisis are aggravating child and maternal mortality cases.

He urged the government to increase its allocation of resources and deploy technology and innovation to accelerate the reduction of child and maternal mortality.

Also, the Chairman of the Health Committee (secondary and Tertiary) Dr Ipalibo Banigo, recognised poor funding and poor insurance as the bane of the health sector. She charged lawmakers to channel funds for constituency projects to health insurance to accelerate the reduction of child and maternal mortality. “A child that is well educated and a woman that is well empowered would seek for quality health service,” she said.