
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has underscored the need for strategic use of resources and development of human capital as key drivers for advancing healthcare in the country.
Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, NPHCDA, said this at the agency’s strategic stakeholders engagement on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement aims at harnessing multistakeholder approach to strengthening PHC delivery.
It was also designed to achieve accountability and identify the roles of non-state actors in the implementation of NPHCDA’s strategic vision.
Aina said that while progress had been made in primary health care and related fields, it had been too slow.
“The goal now is to build on past efforts and accelerate progress,” he said.
He said that the NPHCDA did not operate health facilities directly.
“Instead, it supports states and local governments in improving their healthcare services, focusing on policy development, guidance and resource mobilisation.
“There is a strong emphasis on the efficient use of available resources. While funding is crucial, the real issue is how resources are allocated and utilised.
“Effective coordination, avoiding duplication of efforts, and focusing on the quality of spending rather than just the quantity of funds are important,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration that goes beyond just financial support.
He called for shared ideas, experiences, and technical assistance from those in the field to ensure that resources were used effectively and not wasted.
The NPHCDA boss also touched on the challenges related to human resources in healthcare, including the migration of healthcare workers and the need for better distribution, capacity building, and skill development.
He stressed the partnership between the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Forum of Nigeria, NPHCDA and civil society organisations in driving the goal of making basic healthcare services accessible to all Nigerians.
Aina highlighted the progress made under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, towards achieving President Tinubu’s healthcare initiatives.
He stressed the importance of transparency, community engagement, and the role of the media in sharing the progress and impact of these healthcare initiatives.
Dr Garfa Alawode, Co-convener of the UHC Forum, called for strategic emphasises leveraging political transitions, such as elections, to place health coverage at the forefront of Nigeria’s political agenda.
Alawode highlighted the success of other countries like Ghana and Rwanda in advancing their health systems by engaging political leaders during election periods.
“This approach inspired the creation of the Nigerian UHC Forum, which aimed to develop a citizen-led health agenda that influenced key political aspirants ahead of the 2023 elections.
“The goal is to ensure that health remains a priority in political discussions and decision-making,” he said.
Dr Eduardo Celades, Chief of Public Health at UNICEF, emphasised the importance of supporting the Federal Ministry of Health and the NPHCDA in light of new health sector reforms.
Celades said that addressing inequalities in key PHC outcomes, such as high maternal mortality and zero-dose children, was critical.
Dr Babagana Machina, Executive Secretary, of Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board, said that the Forum of CEOs of State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies (SPHCDAs) was committed to mobilising additional resources for PHCs across their states.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Machina emphasised that the CEOs were dedicated to ensuring accountability in the utilisation of these resources to achieve better health outcomes for Nigerians.
Dr Mohammed Mustafa Lecky, Chairman of the Health Sector Reform Coalition, emphasised the need to leverage local government autonomy, as promoted by the NPHCDA, to accelerate the PHC agenda in Nigeria.
Lecky said that this was crucial for enhancing effective service delivery and accountability in the health sector.
Dr Ufuoma Omo-Obi, Regional Director of Options Consultancy Services, said that there was a need to harness the collective efforts and resources of stakeholders to forge consensus for effective PHC delivery to reduce maternal and under-5 mortality.
Omo-Obi emphasised the need for harmonising efforts across stakeholders within the health ecosystem to achieve UHC.
He highlighted the importance of bringing together various actors, like government, civil society, and local communities, to create a unified approach to implementing health policies.
“This collaboration is essential to translating national policies into real, tangible outcomes, such as reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring that essential health services reach those in need at the grassroots level,” he said.
He underscored the significance of evidence-based interventions and community engagement in driving these efforts forward.
NAN recalls that the forum brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from international organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
Discussions centred on strategies to enhance the effectiveness of primary healthcare delivery, with particular attention to rural areas that often face the most significant challenges.
Participants also highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for healthcare workers, as well as the need for innovative approaches to health financing.
As part of the agency’s efforts, new initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding immunisation coverage were also announced.
These initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the burden of preventable diseases and improving overall health indicators across the country.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in driving the nation’s healthcare agenda forward, with a shared vision of achieving UHC by 2030.(NAN)