Call for Sustainable Funding for Nigeria's Health Workforce

Dr Suleiman Saidu Bashir, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized the need for sustainable government funding and improved remuneration for Nigeria's community health workforce during an interview at the National Consultation on Advancing Nigeria’s Community Health Workforce Agenda in Abuja. He identified challenges such as recruitment, financing, and digital inclusion, urging a shift from donor-driven financing to predictable budgetary allocations.

Bashir noted that a revised framework clarified the roles of Junior Community-Based Health Workers and Assistant Community-Based Health Workers, facilitating their integration and career progression. He advocated for stronger supervision through Primary Healthcare Development Agencies.

Dr Amina Ahmed Abdullahi from CARE International highlighted the importance of community health workers in reaching vulnerable populations, while Dr Fatima Kumo from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum called for national ownership of the community health workforce agenda. Dr Aminu Lawal Danmusa stressed the need for continuous training, and Dr John Ovuoraye from the Federal Ministry of Health affirmed the government's commitment to building a capable health workforce.