By Nafisat Makinde
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare inaugurated the Renewed Hope Health Connect (RHHC) management committee, marking a significant step towards enhancing access to quality healthcare in rural and underserved communities. This initiative aims to bridge the healthcare delivery gap across the country through a medical outreach program in 55 selected senatorial districts.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Access to quality health care remains a significant challenge in many parts of our country, especially in rural and underserved communities. This area often lacks sufficient health care infrastructure, personnel, and essential medical supplies; leading to poor health outcomes, high maternal and child mortality, and spread of preventable diseases.” He further reaffirmed that medical outreaches are proving to be effective in delivering healthcare services directly to the people who need them most.
The RHHC management committee, chaired by Dr. Salako, comprises directors of relevant departments, representatives of the Coordinating Minister, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Coordinator National Eye Health Program, and Senior Technical Assistant to the Honourable Minister. Dr. Charles Nzelu, Director Special Duties Department, serves as the Secretary.
The committee’s terms of reference include:
- Working with consultants and firms to engage for this project, coordinate and oversee the implementation of the medical health programs in Nigeria’s targeted 55 senatorial constituencies
- Ensuring equitable distribution of medical services and resources
- Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the outreach
- Promoting partnership with relevant stakeholders, including health agencies, NGOs, and community leaders
- Developing an implementation plan for the outreach, including timeliness and resource allocation
- Identifying priority healthcare needs specific for each constituency
- Liaising with Healthcare providers, medical personnel, and logistical teams
- Ensuring procurement and distribution of medical supplies and equipment
The Federal Government has approved the RHHC program in the 2025 budget, demonstrating its commitment to addressing healthcare challenges. This initiative is expected to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural and underserved communities, aligning with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
