Urgent Reforms Needed for Nigeria's Primary Healthcare System

Stakeholders in Nigeria's health sector have called for urgent reforms to improve primary healthcare delivery and advance universal health coverage. This appeal was made at a National Consultation on Advancing Nigeria’s Community Health Workforce Agenda, organized by CARE Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.

Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director of CARE Nigeria, highlighted that community health workers are essential links between families and the formal health system, particularly in underserved areas. However, he noted that these workers face challenges such as inadequate financing and inconsistent remuneration.

Olumuyiwa Ojo, a Technical Officer at WHO, stated that the consultation's recommendations should inform Nigeria's Human Resources for Health policy. Dr. John Ovuoraye from the Federal Ministry of Health emphasized the need for coordinated action among stakeholders, noting that 80% of Nigerians rely on primary healthcare services.

Key issues identified included certification, staffing, and policy overlaps affecting the community health workforce's effectiveness.