FG Applauds Increase In Contraceptive Use, Decline In Under 5 Mortality

The federal government has said contraceptive use has increased across the country, while under-five mortality rate continued to decline.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the health programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the collaboration of state governors have continued to yield positive results across the nation.

He stated this on Thursday at the 2nd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Gala and Awards Night organized with State Governors, the FCT Minister, development partners, and other stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable progress made in strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.

Pate said the gathering was both a reflection on the collective achievements and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to transforming healthcare delivery across the nation.

“Over the past year, we have witnessed what strong leadership and collaboration can achieve. By Q3 2024, 31 out of 41 KPIs under the Presidential Commitments had been met, with reforms under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund ensuring that over 8,000 health facilities were supported and ₦46 billion disbursed,” he said.

“Infrastructure upgrades under the Sector-Wide Approach and Project HOPE have revitalized 238 health facilities to Level 2 functionality, with 320 more in progress and plans to scale up to 4,000. Additionally, 53,000 frontline health workers were retrained this year, significantly enhancing service delivery at the grassroots level.

“These efforts are translating into measurable results. Under-five mortality has declined by 16.7 percent between 2018 and 2023, contraceptive use has increased in 17 states, and health security indices have risen from 39 to 54 percent.

“Public confidence in healthcare continues to grow, with 54 percent of Nigerians affirming the government’s capacity to manage health emergencies, up from 37 percent in 2023. These outcomes demonstrate what we can achieve when we work together,” he said.

The Minister of Health, however, stated that challenges still persist as many families cannot afford the high cost of getting affordable healthcare.

He noted that national immunization coverage and poor nutrition are still pervasive affecting families due to poor purchasing power.

“However, challenges persist. Many households still face catastrophic health expenditures, and gaps in immunization and nutrition remain critical concerns. Emerging threats such as tuberculosis require sustained focus, as do efforts to close disparities in healthcare access. These challenges remind us of the need for continued vigilance and investment to ensure that no one is left behind,” he stated.

Pate assured of the federal government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all citizens. He emphasized that health remains a fundamental right.

“Health is not only a fundamental right but also the foundation of national prosperity. A healthy population drives education, productivity, and stability. When children thrive, our nation thrives.

“Let us remain resolute in our mission to improve health outcomes for all Nigerians. Together, we can inspire hope, unify communities, and deliver quality healthcare for all. My deepest gratitude goes to everyone making this progress possible,” he added.