Nigeria’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will soon unveil the nation’s first comprehensive State of Health Report, according to the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Pate. Announced at a press briefing in Abuja, this landmark report will provide a thorough analysis of the healthcare sector, highlighting current conditions and charting a path forward.
Set for release following the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) in November, the report draws on extensive data from engagements with state governments, health officials, and development partners. “The Joint Annual Review is an opportunity for a collective assessment of our journey to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system,” Pate said. He emphasized that the JAR brings together critical health data and feedback from nationwide surveys, including the People’s Voices Survey, which sampled perceptions from over 2,600 Nigerians across the 36 states. This data will inform the review, providing insights into how citizens perceive the healthcare system’s effectiveness and areas that need improvement.
Recent findings from 23 Demographic and Health Surveys will serve as a baseline for the country’s health statistics, offering an organized view across various states. According to Pate, these indicators allow the ministry to track progress over time. “In two years, we aim to have concrete metrics of what we’ve achieved and what remains to be done,” he noted.
The report will particularly address maternal and child health and reproductive health services. Pate highlighted that around 172 local government areas contribute to over half of maternal mortality cases, an area he describes as critical to the report’s strategy. The ministry plans targeted interventions to mitigate this issue, working with state and local governments to optimize resources effectively.
Pate also announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦10 billion for a Medical Relief Programme, aimed at providing essential medications for vulnerable populations, particularly flood-affected communities. The sum includes ₦5 billion each allocated to the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq, National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide approach, stated that this year’s JAR would establish a baseline for setting future health targets. He stressed the importance of aligning federal and state resources and the commitment to adhering to the Nigeria Health Sector Investment Renewal Initiative compact.
As Nigeria prepares to publish its first annual State of Health Report, Pate expressed hope that the assessment would drive a more responsive and effective healthcare system that addresses the needs of all Nigerians.
