The federal government has unveiled plans to procure essential medicines to alleviate Nigerians’ rising healthcare and Medicine costs. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate Ali, emphasised this commitment during the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day celebration in Abuja, noting the government’s drive to make healthcare accessible and affordable. Prof. Pate detailed the government’s strategy under the three-year Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, which was launched a year ago. This initiative seeks to save lives, reduce healthcare burdens, and promote well-being nationwide.
In the medium to long term, local production of pharmaceutical products and healthcare commodities is expected to reduce costs and improve availability nationwide, aligning with the UHC’s goal of minimising financial burdens on citizens. The government has recorded a significant increase in the number of Nigerians with health insurance, adding two million new enrollees in 2024’s third quarter. This raises the total to eight million insured individuals, marking a 14% growth in less than a year. Prof. Pate noted that if this pace had been maintained since the scheme’s introduction in 2005, over 40 million Nigerians would have access to health Insurance today.
Efforts to combat HIV have achieved notable milestones.
To further support vulnerable populations, the Federal Government has disbursed ₦45.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. This fund ensures indigent Nigerians can access medical services without immediate financial barriers. Additionally, equity funds provided by state governments complement these efforts by covering the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable citizens. The government further prioritised obstetric fistula repairs, restoring the dignity and quality of life for affected women. By October 2024, 879 successful surgeries were conducted across 19 centres nationwide, with a target of 2,500 by year’s end.
Nigeria’s medical care system remains burdened by both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS persist as significant challenges. In 2021, Malaria accounted for 193,512 deaths, about 30 percent of global malaria fatalities. While TB incidence rates have declined, they remain high, with 229 cases per 100,000 people in 2021. Encouragingly, efforts to combat HIV have achieved notable milestones, with 98 percent of diagnosed individuals receiving treatment and 95 percent achieving viral suppression.
Tackling neglected tropical diseases and non-communicable diseases.
Furthermore, the nation is endemic to several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma. Mass drug administration campaigns reached 26.5 million of the 31.7 million targeted individuals in 2020, demonstrating significant progress. However, challenges remain in addressing other NTDs like leprosy and rabies. NCDs, such as cardiovascular ailments, cancer, and diabetes, account for a substantial share of mortality. Despite strides in Tobacco Taxation and advertising bans, progress on other indicators, including salt policies and physical activity awareness has been limited.
Childhood immunisation rates also remain below the 90% target. In 2021, coverage for the third dose of the DTP vaccine was 56%, while measles vaccination stood at 59%. This has left millions of children under-immunized or unvaccinated, increasing their vulnerability to preventable diseases. The government strengthens routine immunisation systems and implements catch-up strategies to bridge these gaps. Child survival rates have improved, with under-five mortality dropping from 126 to 111 per 1,000 live births between 2015 and 2021. Neonatal mortality declined marginally, though both remain above Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. These figures underscore the need for robust grassroots programs to address health inequities.
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However, this renewed focus on healthcare is a step towards addressing the country’s most pressing health challenges. From expanding health insurance to increasing access to essential medicines, these initiatives aim to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures and ensure no people are left behind in the quest for universal health coverage. Looking ahead, the government must prioritise grassroots programs to combat malaria, strengthen TB detection and treatment, and ensure widespread immunisation coverage. By addressing systemic medical issues, Nigeria can improve health outcomes and create a more equitable and resilient healthcare system.