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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, gathering on Wednesday, highlighted the troublingly high under-five and infant mortality rates in Nigeria, noting that despite numerous health initiatives, these figures remain unacceptably high. The governors underscored the importance of intensified efforts to address this persistent health crisis.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma addressed the three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, acknowledging some progress in health indicators, particularly concerning under-five and infant mortality. However, he cautioned that these rates remain unacceptably high, signaling that more needs to be done.
“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, recognising 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 explained that a series of extensive engagements held across all 36 states had played a crucial role in aligning key stakeholders on the objectives of the sector-wide groups, ensuring that all parties are working toward common goals in the health sector.
He reinforced the NGF’s pledge to support the objectives of the health sector compact, stressing their continued focus on enhancing the healthcare system and working towards sustainable improvements in public health.
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.
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“We’re building on the legacy of several ministers of health that have come before us, and my colleagues, Dr Tunji Alausa, as well as the current Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Alausa, and many of us, and many leaders across different agencies.
“We’re building the institutions in health, but building on the work of so many others who have come before us.”
The minister noted that, in addition to the upcoming State of Health Report, the Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Report would be launched, focusing on the health impacts of climate change and offering recommendations for adapting to its increasingly severe effects.
“I would like to say that the lives of Nigerians, particularly women and children, are at stake, and the poorest among ourselves.
“We must do everything we can to safeguard them, and we will be relentless in our resolve to deliver an efficient, equitable, and quality health system for all Nigerians,” he added.
The minister stated that President Bola Tinubu was committed to improving quality health services for Nigerians.
He said the ministry had achieved 31 out of its 41 Key Performance Indicators across the presidential commitments and was on course to surpass the targets for 2024.
“We call on all of us to action, because the task ahead of us is huge, but it requires our collective efforts, and we can do this through genuine partnerships that are respectful.
