By Nafisat Makinde
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has announced plans to revitalize 17,000 Primary Health Centres across the country.
Speaking at the 26th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers under the theme “Community Health Principles and Standards”, Dr. Salako highlighted the importance of strengthening primary healthcare systems to improve health outcomes.
In a statement issued by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Press & Public Relations on Monday, Dr. Salako said, “This Assembly comes at a crucial time. Our systems are under strain. Yet, amid these challenges, there are opportunities to rethink, reimagine, and reinvigorate our healthcare systems.”
The revitalization effort is part of the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which aims to provide integrated, people-centred care through trained frontline workers.
Nearly 50,000 workers have already been trained, with a goal of reaching 120,000.
“Health is not just a national issue; it is regional and global, invoking lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. If everyone is not safe, nobody is safe,” Dr. Salako emphasized.
To support this initiative, Nigeria has allocated $200 million in domestic resources to bridge gaps left by dwindling external donor funds for HIV, TB, and malaria interventions.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Vision 2050, stating that the country’s health sector reforms align with the regional vision. “Let this Assembly be remembered not only for dialogue, but for purpose, vision, and action,” Dr. Salako declared, urging fellow ministers to ensure the Assembly delivers tangible results.
