Muntaqa Sadiq, national coordinator of the Sector-Wide Coordinating Office –Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU), has outlined significant progress in Nigeria’s health sector reform.

Mr Sadiq emphasised the need for accountability, resource coordination, and state-level engagement.

These reforms come at a crucial time as Nigeria grapples with significant health challenges, including high maternal and infant mortality rates.

In a recent interview with journalists, Mr Sadiq disclosed that 19 states had completed their Annual Operational Plan (AOP) processes, with all states expected to finalise theirs by the end of October.

The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a key component of Nigeria’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), plays a pivotal role in expanding access to quality healthcare.

It is particularly pivotal for vulnerable populations.

Established under the National Health Act of 2014, the fund is sustained by at least one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and contributions from development partners.

“This marks a crucial step towards improving Nigeria’s health sector management and achieving the long-term goals set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Mr Sadiq said.

He emphasised the importance of alignment, adding that in this coordinated effort, the government is ensuring that every state adheres to the one plan, one project, one report framework.

“So far, 50 per cent of states have submitted expressions of interest and met all key eligibility criteria. It is encouraging to see such high levels of participation,” he said.

He also said that the SWAP office had been collaborating closely with national partners and state ministries of health to enhance resource management across the country.

“In addition, 36 states have completed a “G2LG level step-down” of AOP training, standardising the approach across Nigeria,” he said.

He said that a significant aspect of the SWAP reforms focused on addressing maternal and foetal mortality rates, while expressing commitment to the issue,

“Maternal mortality remains a top priority for the ministry, and we are deploying innovative tools and strategies that involve communities directly.

“By identifying root causes and creating tailored solutions, we believe that we can drastically reduce these tragic deaths,” he said.

He highlighted efforts to improve financial management systems within the health sector, with 570 million dollars allocated to HOPE PHC.

“These funds will bolster health programmes across states, particularly in enhancing human resources for health,” he said.

He said that an upcoming joint panel review, scheduled for November would focus on creating a baseline for future health sector evaluations.

“The review will coincide with the release of the 2023 National Council on Health report, offering a clearer picture of the health sector’s current state, especially regarding maternal and foetal mortality trends.

“We hope that this review will not only set a precedent for future evaluations but also lead to meaningful action plans that address discrepancies in our health data,” he said.

As Nigeria’s health sector evolves under the SWAP framework, Mr Sadiq commended the dedication of health partners and ministry officials.

“This is a collaborative effort, and we are moving steadily towards realising our goals,” he said.

The success of these reforms hinges on continued support and active participation of all stakeholders, underscoring the collective responsibility to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all Nigerians.

(NAN)