Health commissioners from Nigeria’s 36 states have urged the government to increase budget allocations for health at all levels.
The call was made following a two-day summit in Abuja, where the commissioners, alongside the Mandate Secretary of Health for the Federal Capital Territory, reiterated their commitment to strengthening the Primary Health Care (PHC) system across the country.
Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Chairperson of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum and Commissioner for Health in Ekiti State, highlighted the urgency of enhanced health financing, stating, “We are advocating for increased budget allocations for health at all levels of government.”
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his approval of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and for the administration’s significant investments in the healthcare sector.
The commissioners also addressed the severe shortage of healthcare professionals, identified in a recent assessment by the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum (NHCF).
Dr. Filani emphasized the need for innovative strategies to attract, train, and retain skilled workers across Nigeria’s health sector.
A major focus of the summit was the recent Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy and its impact on PHC financing.
The commissioners pledged to fortify the PHC system, ensuring adequate staffing, training, and essential resources at the grassroots level.
A sub-committee was formed to develop a position paper on the ruling’s implications, in consultation with the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
In light of recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox, the commissioners reviewed the preparedness and response measures in their respective states.
Monthly meetings between state health commissioners and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) were agreed upon to enhance coordination and readiness.
Expressing concern over the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and renal diseases, Dr. Filani announced a comprehensive awareness campaign titled “Know Your Number, Control Your Number,” set to launch in the last quarter of 2024.
The commissioners committed to prioritizing NCDs in their health agendas and advancing efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The commissioners also voiced their support for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s digital health initiative, which aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery through data-driven decision-making.
Dr. Filani commended the leadership of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their role in advancing digital health solutions.
In conclusion, Dr. Filani reaffirmed the commissioners’ dedication to improving health outcomes nationwide and called on all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to collaborate in building a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
