In the last four years, the Federal Government has allocated a substantial amount of ₦203 billion via the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the enhancement of 8,000 healthcare facilities across the nation, marking a remarkable upgrade for a fraction of the total 40,000 healthcare centres. There is a considerable void of approximately 32,000 establishments that are yet to engage in the execution of the one percent consolidated Revenue fund via the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Also, in the meantime, there is an allocation of approximately $1.8 million from the Global Fund specifically designated for the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) grant. This funding is aimed at facilitating the training of 25,000 frontline health workers across 13 states. NMEP, in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), along with the Department of Hospital Services in the Federal Ministry of Health and various other parties involved, have collectively established a proposition.
Global Fund Malaria Community-led Monitoring Project.
Furthermore, this proposition states that approximately 25,000 healthcare professionals can undergo training using these allocated resources, on the condition that the selection process solely includes individuals from the 13 states in Nigeria that are supported by the Global Fund. Ibrahim Tajudeen, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for the Global Fund, shared this information during a press conference that was held in Abuja. The conference took place after a National Media Meeting.
The National Media Meeting that was held before the news conference had its focus on the Global Fund Malaria Community-led Monitoring Project. The project is currently being carried out by the Civil Society organization, ACOMIN, which specializes in malaria control, immunization, and Nutrition. He further stated that during the recommendation of the BHCPF to the National Health Act, there was an anticipation of allocating one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Funds to the BHCPF annually.
Increment of participating facilities in the BHCPF programme.
Additionally, he pointed out that the implementation of a sector-wide approach would contribute to an overhaul of the existing BHCPF. Tajudeen emphasized that the government had made a significant announcement regarding the increment of participating facilities in the BHCPF programme. Currently standing at 8,800, these facilities are expected to reach a remarkable total of 17,000. This ambitious goal indicates a positive trajectory and signals progress for Nigeria, should it be achieved within the upcoming two years.
According to him, implementing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will alleviate the physical and financial burdens experienced by people. He emphasized that if the extra resources obtained from organizations like the Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and other important parties are utilized appropriately, Nigeria stands a good chance of achieving UHC. This can be accomplished by eliminating waste, duplication, and reducing the expenses associated with service delivery by adopting efficient and effective strategies.
PMI by the U.S. government is providing assistance to 11 states.
Regarding the elimination of Malaria, HIV, and Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, it was clarified that the Global Fund has extended its support to a total of 13 states in Nigeria, whereas the Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI) by the U.S. government is providing assistance to 11 states in the country. The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, serving as a central hub in the worldwide battle against malaria, has played a pivotal role in preserving countless lives and driving notable advancements in education, productivity, and economic progress.
