National Council on Health Opens in Maiduguri, Targets 2030 UHC Goals

The National Council on Health, a key governance body responsible for formulating, coordinating, and implementing health policies and programs in Nigeria, convened its 65th edition today in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. This year’s meeting, themed “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage Strategies for 2030 Success,” highlights the nation’s dedication to improving healthcare for its citizens.

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In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Borno State, the Commissioner of Health, and the people of Borno for their warm reception and for hosting this critical event in Maiduguri.

Reflecting on progress made, the Minister noted that a year ago, the groundwork for strategic health reforms was laid, with key decisions made across states. “The past year was one of planning and preparation, and today marks a full year of implementation and results,” he said.

Professor Pate emphasized the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local governments, along with the private sector, civil society, and development partners, which have demonstrated the collective power of advancing healthcare systems. “We are beginning to see the results of our concerted efforts,” he remarked.

He also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prioritization of health as a critical component of his administration’s agenda. “The President’s commitment to placing health on the front burner, articulated in December 2023 after our meeting in Ekiti State, has led to strengthened partnerships and enhanced healthcare delivery across Nigeria,” Professor Pate said.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to work closely with all stakeholders in achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030, ensuring better health outcomes for all Nigerians.

During Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s remarks at the 65th National Council on Health Meeting, he announced a salary increment for medical doctors in the Borno State civil service to match the pay structure of their federal counterparts. He directed the state head of service and commissioner of health to liaise with relevant federal government agencies to ensure parity in salaries. He confirmed that the implementation of the pay rise would begin on December 1, 2024.

Governor Zulum also highlighted Borno State’s compliance with the Abuja Declaration, which mandates allocating at least 15% of the state’s annual budget to healthcare. He noted that the state had made significant investments in health infrastructure, maternal and child health services, and critical disease control programs. Furthermore, the governor disclosed that the state government had paid over N300 million in residency training allowances for doctors in state hospitals and an additional N100 million to support Borno indigenes working in other health facilities across Nigeria.

High-Level Dignitaries in Attendance were: Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health; Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health;

Uzu Rochas-Anwikah, Special Assistant to the President on Public Health; Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health; Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, Shehu of Dikwa, representing the Shehu of Borno; Emirs, chiefs, and traditional titleholders; 36 state commissioners of health across Nigeria; representatives from UN health agencies and development partners; senior government officials and heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health.