In its pursuit of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the Federal Government is preparing to introduce the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

UHC Day, observed annually on December 12, focuses on celebrating progress towards health for all and emphasizing the need for robust health systems. This year’s UHC Day theme is “Health for All: Time for Action.”

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Prof. Pate revealed that the strategy to launch this initiative would involve the signing of an agreement in Abuja by governments at all levels and development partners, marking the 2023 UHC Day.

Emphasizing the importance of a multi-sectoral and comprehensive government approach, he explained that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) aims to guide the revitalization of the country’s health system.

The initiative, embedded in the broader health agenda, directly addresses disparities in health access and poor population health outcomes.

Prof. Pate outlined that the NHSRII would utilize the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in collaboration with state governments and development partners.

This collaborative, transformative, and sector-wide approach program intends to enhance health outcomes, including the training of additional healthcare professionals and the establishment of functional primary healthcare centers, with a target of at least 17,000.

He stressed that expanding BHCPF and increasing the number of primary healthcare centers aligns with the objectives of the National Health Act.

The comprehensive strategy involves assessing existing facilities, enhancing infrastructure, ensuring an adequate healthcare workforce, and actively involving local communities for feedback.

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Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, emphasized the importance of strengthening the primary healthcare system in building a sustainable healthcare infrastructure capable of meeting the population’s needs.

Successful implementation of the NHSRII is expected to significantly contribute to achieving UHC in Nigeria, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services without facing financial hardships.