FG Bets On Data, Science To Drive Nigeria’s Health Reforms
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria says it is shifting from rhetoric to results in healthcare, with science, data and targeted reforms now central to improving access and saving lives.
At a ministerial press briefing in Abuja to mark World Health Day 2026, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the Federal Government remains committed to building a health system that works for every Nigerian, regardless of income or location.
He said the Tinubu administration, under its Renewed Hope Agenda, has made health a national priority and is pursuing reforms backed by credible evidence and strategic investments.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the 2025 National Health Facility Survey, which the government says will help shape better policies and strengthen service delivery across the country.
Salako said primary healthcare utilisation had risen sharply from about 10 million visits in early 2024 to 45 million by mid-2025, reflecting growing public confidence in the system.
He also revealed major gains in immunisation, with over 14 million girls vaccinated against HPV and more than 102 million children reached with the measles-rubella vaccine.
On maternal health, he said the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) had already helped cut maternal deaths by about 17 per cent in covered facilities.
The minister added that more than 21.7 million Nigerians are now enrolled in health insurance schemes, marking a 33 per cent increase since late 2023.
The World Health Organisation and development partners, including UNFPA, praised Nigeria’s science-led approach, stressing that stronger collaboration and public trust in evidence remain critical to achieving better health outcomes.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, had called on governments, institutions, communities and individuals to work together to build resilient health systems capable of responding to both present and emerging challenges.
She confirmed that the Ministry of Health has continued to pursue transformative reforms aimed at improving access to quality, affordable and equitable healthcare services.
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