The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has urged Nigerians to hold all levels of government accountable for the delivery of quality healthcare and essential services.
Pate, a professor, made this known on Wednesday at a three-day joint annual review of the entire Nigerian health sector in Abuja.
The annual review with the theme: “It's for all of us: Accelerating health sector reforms together” brings together stakeholders to evaluate and coordinate health sector reform efforts.
Pate reiterated that the current administration is committed to improving quality health services for all.
“To our citizens, in line with the President's overall direction, we want you to hold us and your state and local governments accountable for providing better quality health care and basic services that we need as a people to create a healthier nation.” said.
“Our mission goes beyond statistics; “It is about improving lives and supporting communities across Nigeria.”
The minister said the current leadership builds on the legacy of previous health ministers and other leaders of various agencies, strengthening health institutions while honoring the contributions of those who came before.
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Better health outcomes
While delivering his speech, Mr. Pate noted that recent data shows tangible progress in Nigeria's health outcomes.
He highlighted that the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reveals a 16.7 percent reduction in the mortality of children under five years of age between 2018 and 2023, along with a 40 percent decrease in diarrheal diseases, a reduction in 24 percent in tuberculosis and a 12 percent reduction. decline in HIV prevalence.
“These achievements underscore the impact of our collective efforts,” he said.
The coordinating minister also acknowledged that while challenges remain, Nigeria is making progress, with 17 states improving the use of modern contraceptives and six states doubling their efforts.
“I am pleased to recognize that Imo State, represented here by His Excellency the Governor, is among the top performing states in contraceptive use and state health insurance coverage,” he said.
Persistent challenges
Pate acknowledged that while progress has been made in healthcare affordability and insurance coverage, achieving universal access to quality healthcare remains an ongoing challenge.
He noted that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is working diligently to improve the quality of care and user experience, although more comprehensive efforts are needed.
He said urgent measures are needed to increase routine immunization rates and reach “zero dose” children who have not received any vaccines.
He also noted that malnutrition and high rates of stunting remain pressing problems, requiring sustained investments and strategic interventions.
“These statistics represent real lives: families, communities and children who depend on us for these improvements,” he said.
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Responding to these findings, the minister said 174 high burden LGAs responsible for 50 percent of maternal deaths in Nigeria have been identified.
He said the government has launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Investment Initiative to address the situation.