By Hassan Zaggi
Concerned by the abysmal funding of the Primary Health Care (PHC) sector in the country, the Commissioners of Health from the 36 states of the country under the platform of the Nigeria Health Commissioner’s Forum, have concluded plans to fashion out a workable solution of how best the PHC can be funded properly.
The meeting is organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
In a statement in Abuja, the Forum disclosed that the meeting which will be for two days will discuss extensively the role of states in PHC financing in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the performance of any health system is highly dependent on having an effective PHC service as a key driver of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The statement further noted that increasing financing and improving current financing arrangements for the PHC can catalyse Nigeria’s goal of achieving UHC by 2030.
The objectives of the meeting, the statement explained, include to take stock of approaches to financing PHC in States; identify common challenges and policy responses and develop a shared understanding on the way forward for financing PHC in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
“The event looks promising, which shows the importance the ecosystem places on this type of activity. We are grateful to all our partners and everyone that has registered,” the statement added.
The meeting, the statement, said will hold between October 5 and 6, 2022 in Abuja as a hybrid event with in-person and virtual participation.
The Nigeria Health commissioners’ forum is Nigeria’s community of practice and learning platform created by the 36 States’ Health Commissioners across Nigeria.
