The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) says that a renewed focus on primary health care delivery is pivotal in achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.

Muyi Aina, NPHCDA executive director, said this during an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Aina highlighted the challenges facing the country’s healthcare system. He said the country currently had one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2020.

He, however, expressed optimism that a focused effort to strengthen PHC delivery offered a promising pathway to achieving UHC and addressing the nation’s critical health challenges.

According to him, the strategic blueprint for 2024-2026 is designed to enhance PHC services by improving access, equity, and quality.

He said that one of the major hurdles in the country’s healthcare sector was inadequate infrastructure, with only 30 per cent of PHCs meeting the minimum Level 2 standards.

He said that just 22 per cent of facilities nationwide have the required healthcare workforce, a deficiency that directly affects service delivery and contributes to high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

“The goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has equitable access to quality PHC services through a trusted and efficient system. To address these issues, the NPHCDA plans to optimise the functionality of PHC facilities.

“The aim is for at least one fully functional facility per ward, with a target of 17,600 facilities across the country within four years. This includes ensuring constant power access, staff accommodations, and the presence of skilled birth attendants at all PHCs,” he said.

He outlined the strategic objectives set by the NPHCDA, which revolve around reducing maternal and under-five mortality, increasing the utilisation of PHC services, and improving routine immunisation coverage.

“By focusing on these areas, Nigeria aims to save lives, reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and bridge the gap in health outcomes across different income groups. This midwifery-led approach is expected to significantly reduce maternal mortality, improve antenatal care coverage, and increase the rate of skilled deliveries,” he said.

According to him, a key component of this plan is the deployment of 18,000 SBAs to PHC facilities, effectively doubling the current capacity within the next three years.

He said collaboration with stakeholders, including universities, NGOs, and international agencies, was crucial to the success of this initiative. The NPHCDA boss underscored the importance of diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice in its partnerships to foster a robust and equitable health system.

He revealed that the agency also planned to leverage innovative approaches like the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the Sector-Wide Approach to ensure sustainable financing and accountability in PHC services.

“This includes improving the Health Management Information System (HMIS) to support data-driven decision-making and continuous monitoring of impact. The focus on PHC revitalisation, workforce development, and community trust-building is expected to create a more resilient and equitable healthcare system.

“If these efforts prove successful, Nigeria can become a model for other African nations striving to achieve UHC and reduce maternal and child mortality rates. The journey towards this goal is challenging, but with coordinated efforts and sustained investment, the future of Nigeria’s health system looks promising,” he said.

As Nigeria progresses with its strategic blueprint, Aina expressed cautious optimism that these efforts would yield significant improvements in health outcomes. He emphasised strengthening primary health care was not just a health priority but a national imperative.

He said implementing the NPHCDA’s strategic blueprint could be a turning point in the country’s pursuit of UHC.

(NAN)