Speaking at the maiden edition of the Nigeria health sector Joint Annual Review, in Abuja on Wednesday, Prof. Pate said Nigeria is making steady progress in health security amid challenges.
“Despite the challenges that persist, Nigeria is moving in the right direction. Seventeen states have shown marked improvement in modern contraceptive usage, with six states doubling their efforts”.
Reeling out the Ministry’s achievements in the last 15 months, the Minister said for the first time, it has fulfilled two major commitments: conducting this Joint Annual Review and presenting the State of Health Report for Nigeria, stressing that these reports symbolizes its dedication to transparency, accountability, and progress.
He said by the third quarter of 2024, the Ministry has met 31 out of the 41 key performance indicators (KPIs) across Presidential Commitments, and they are on track to surpass all their targets for the year.
In his words, Prof. Pate stated, “Under the PHC 2.0 reform, we have emphasized equity by allocating financial and human resources across over 8,000 primary healthcare centers. Direct facility disbursements totaling 45 billion Naira have been sent to states, reaching our people directly.
“With the help of our partners, we mobilized more than 3 billion dollars in complementary funding, including 2.1 billion dollars confirmed, which supplements the efforts of the federal government.
“In collaboration with the states, over 2,600 healthcare facilities are in advanced stages of revitalization, and an additional 2,000 facilities are earmarked for similar upgrades, all aimed at making primary healthcare centers fully functional.
According to the Minister, in alignment with Mr. President’s commitment to strengthening the health workforce, the Ministry has set a target to retrain 120,000 frontline health workers.
“So far, more than 40,000 workers have received training, and we are well on our way to meeting and exceeding this target.
“Through the SWAp Coordinating Office, under the capable leadership of Dr. Muntaqa, all states have now developed and hosted their Annual Operational Plans (AOPs), identifying gaps and setting the stage for future collaborations with our partners focused on population health outcomes.
“Our commitment to improving population health outcomes has shown tangible results. Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reveals a 16.7% reduction in under-five mortality between 2018 and 2023.
“We have also recorded a 40% reduction in diarrheal diseases, a 24% reduction in tuberculosis, and a 12% reduction in HIV prevalence. These achievements underscore the impact of our collective efforts.
He said following the Executive Order signed by Mr. President, at least 40 businesses have submitted business cases for investment in local manufacturing, saying, “Through our memorandum of understanding with Afreximbank, we have secured one billion dollars to boost healthcare financing.
“In parallel, we are making steady progress in health security.
“Our survey findings show that about half of Nigerians have endorsed the trajectory of the health system under Mr. President’s leadership, with over half expressing confidence in the government’s capacity to manage health emergencies—an increase of 17% compared to 2023.
Prof. Pate however noted that there are areas where the health sector must improve on, saying, “We have made strides in healthcare affordability and insurance coverage, more work is required to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all Nigerians”.
He disclosed that the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority is working tirelessly to enhance quality of care and user experience, “and we recognize there is more to be done”.
According to him, routine immunization rates and the coverage of zero-dose children also need our urgent attention, adding that the slight increase in immunization coverage between DHS cycles indicates we have to double our efforts.
The Minister said malnutrition and stunting rates remain high, which calls for renewed action and investment.
“These statistics represent real lives-families, communities, and children who rely on us to make these improvements.
“In response to these findings, especially regarding high maternal mortality, we have identified 174 high-burden local governments across Nigeria responsible for 50% of maternal deaths. To address this, we have launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Investment Initiative.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ending maternal mortality, and with our current momentum, I believe it is achievable”.
Continuing, he said, “I call upon all of us here to action. The task ahead is enormous, and it demands our collective efforts and genuine partnerships. Let us embrace a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, including our development partners, to help us build a healthier Nigeria.
“To the state governors, I commend your commitment over the past 15 months. To our development partners, I extend my heartfelt thanks for aligning with SWAp principles and adopting the necessary behavioral shifts.
“Your support for our annual operational plans, bottom-up resource allocation, and focus on high-burden local governments is invaluable. We look forward to your continued collaboration as we refine our resource coordination and align portfolios with our national health priorities”, he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the Joint Annual Review is a vital instrument for health sector stakeholders to assess program performance, evaluate resource distribution, and review outcomes or issues that need to be addressed to improve performance.
“As a critical accountability tool, we shall be using the JAR to promote multi sectoral coordination and set clear priorities for the upcoming year, ensuring that all stakeholders remain aligned with national health goals”, he said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the legislature is committed to supporting the health policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While commending the Minister for what she called his push for the revitalization and strengthening of the primary health centres, Senator Banigo assured of an increase in the domestic budgetary allocations to the ministry.
“Generally, at the National Assembly, we are committed to supporting the health policies of the new hope agenda of His Excellency, Mr President, being driven by the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare. We are determined to support these policies, not just with our words but with our backing with the budget.
“So, we hope that this year the overall domestic budget to the health ministry will be increased much more than what it has been in the past”, she said.
In her welcome address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom said despite the multifaceted challenges within the health sector, it has also witnessed remarkable resilience and innovation.
Kachollom emphasized that the challenges have forced them to adapt quickly to ensure that essential health services remain accessible to all.
“We have demonstrated our capability to mobilise resources, develop new innovation and collaborate effectively on which has been crucial in navigating these turbulent times
“As we commence review of our performance, it will be noted that key initiatives aimed at enhancing maternal and child health, combating infections diseases and expanding accessible mental home services have shown promising results”, she said.
Spark News Daily reports that the 3-day event which is scheduled to end on Friday 8th November 2024, was attended by the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, Royal fathers, the past Minister of State for Health and now Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable State Commissioners of Health, Development Partners, Director-Generals, Heads of Agencies, and staff of the Ministry.
