Nigerian Governors call for urgent actions amid worsening rate of neonatal mortality, malnutrition

Speaking on behalf of the governors at the ongoing three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, Governor Hope Uzodinma pointed out that even though there have been improvements, infant mortality rates are still unacceptably high.

“While there have been improvements in health indicators, particularly in reducing under-five and infant mortality rates, these figures are still unacceptably high.” 

He continued, “Moreover, we have seen worsening trends in neonatal mortality and malnutrition, these statistics highlight the urgency of our work. 

“We must continue to work together, recognizing the unique challenges each state faces while maintaining our shared focus on achieving better health outcomes for all Nigerians. 

“I would also like to commend the Minister of Health for his continued effort to translate the compact into action,” he said.

He highlighted that the series of engagements carried out across all 36 states had ensured that key stakeholders were aligned on the sector-wide groups.

He reaffirmed the NGF’s commitment to the intent of the health sector compact, and improving the health sector.

Highlighting progress in health reforms calls for accountability, and continued investment 

Speaking at the event, with the theme: “It’s for all of us: Accelerating our health sector reforms together,” the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Pate, urged Nigerians to hold the federal, state, and local governments accountable for improved quality health and basic services.

He said, “For our citizens, in line with the President’s overall direction, we want you to hold us, and your state government and local governments accountable for providing improved quality health services, and basic services that we need as a people to create a healthier nation.”

“Dr Tunji Alausa, former Minister of State, has just alluded to bringing our efforts in a holistic manner to improve Nigeria’s population health outcomes and unlock healthcare valuation,” Dr. Pate said. “The blueprint on the pins underscores our commitment, and with the President’s endorsement, we are now presenting annual and state health reports for the first time.” 

Additionally, “We’ve mobilized with our partners more than N3bn in terms of complementary funding over three years, including N2.1bn that we have confirmed over time, which will complement the Federal Government’s effort, and in the last year, several facilities have been revitalized already, and 2,600 are currently being at late stages of being upgraded through the states. 

 “To strengthen the health workforce, we’ve committed to retraining 120,000 frontline health workers,” he noted. “So far, over 40,000 have been retrained, with more to follow, helping to close gaps in service delivery nationwide,” he said.

“Seventeen states have shown significant improvements in contraceptive use, with six doubling performance,” he stated, commending states like Imo for substantial progress in model contraceptive rates and health insurance coverage.

Dr. Pate concluded by reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to protecting the health of vulnerable Nigerians, including women and children, and adapting to emerging health challenges tied to climate change.

Dr. Pate concluded by reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to protecting the health of vulnerable Nigerians, including women and children, and adapting to emerging health challenges tied to climate change.