The 65th National Council on Health (NCH) concluded with the inauguration of critical policies and impactful resolutions aimed at addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The conclusion of the event was presided over by the Coordinating Minister for Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on Saturday in Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the council brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and global experts to chart a progressive path for the country’s health sector.
In a bid to address workforce, nutrition, and maternal and child health challenges, certain key policies were adopted.
There was the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration 2024 – Aimed at addressing brain drain and retaining skilled health professionals.
There was also the Nigeria Health Workforce Profile 2022 – A data-driven tool for workforce planning and policy formulation.
The council also.adopted the National Social and Behaviour Change Strategy for Nutrition, Focused on promoting healthy dietary habits and reducing malnutrition.
It also adopted the Strategy Implementation Guide, targeting improved reproductive, maternal, and adolescent health outcomes.
The 65th NCH featured presentations from global health leaders, including Dr Pascal Mdoe from Tanzania, who shared his country’s success with the Safer Births Bundle of Care, a framework Nigeria plans to adapt.
The council adopted 58 memos and key resolutions, setting the tone for transformative action.
The resolutions were, Institutionalising reward systems to incentivise state-level achievements in healthcare, and Integrating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services into Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs).
Other resolutions included, Scaling up Rapid Epidemic Response Teams (RESMAT) nationwide for effective emergency response, and Establishing the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) agency, with legislative advancements underway.
Therebwas also the resolution on strengthening field epidemiology training for sustainable disease surveillance.
Experts highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges while building a resilient and sustainable health system.
Some stakeholders were optimistic that the initiatives would foster better health outcomes and ensure equity in healthcare delivery.
The council also announced that the 66th NCH will take place in Calabar, Cross River State, in 2025, continuing the tradition of collaboration and innovation in health policy formulation.
As Prof. Pate noted during the closing session, “This council represents our collective resolve to transform healthcare in Nigeria.
“Together, we are creating a healthier and more equitable future for all Nigerians”.