Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has announced plans to hold a National Policy Dialogue on Healthcare Financing and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Abuja from September 1 to 4.
The dialogue, themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria,” is expected to bring together senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, academia, and private sector stakeholders.
READ MORE: Nigeria to Host Health Financing Policy Dialogue In September
The forum will explore innovative and sustainable approaches to healthcare financing that will guarantee equitable access to quality health services for all Nigerians.
The initiative builds on Nigeria’s leadership in advancing UHC across Africa, especially following the 2019 African Leadership Meeting in Addis Ababa, where member states pledged to scale up domestic health financing.
The African Union Declaration reaffirmed continental commitment to stronger, more resilient, and self-reliant health systems.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said Nigeria’s next phase of healthcare reform will be anchored on ongoing investments and strategic reforms.
He noted that the ultimate mission was to save lives, reduce physical and financial suffering, and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
Professor Pate explained that through initiatives such as the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the Sector-Wide Approach, and the National Strategic Plan, the government and partners are aligning resources behind a vision of equity, accountability, and sustainability in the health sector.
Also, the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to expanding health insurance coverage and enhancing financial protection for Nigerians.
According to him, the dialogue will provide a platform to review findings from the State of Health Financing Report and build consensus on nationally supported, politically feasible strategies to strengthen and sustain domestic health financing.
The ministry stated that the deliberations are expected to shape a robust pathway towards achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.