Nigeria Unveils 2025 Health Facility Survey, Reaffirms Commitment to Nigerians’ Wellbeing
By Admin
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the health and well-being of all Nigerians, emphasizing that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, healthcare remains central to national development.
Dr. Salako made this known in Abuja during a ministerial press briefing held as part of activities marking the commemoration of the 2026 World Health Day, observed globally on April 7 each year. The day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 and provides an opportunity to reflect on global health challenges while renewing collective commitment to improving the well-being of all people.
Elaborating on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” the Minister described it as timely and profound, calling on governments, scientists, health professionals, and communities to ensure that health policies and decisions are guided by evidence, research, and scientific collaboration.
He noted that the theme underscores the importance of science-driven health systems, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust in science and promote evidence-based policymaking.
“Science has always been the foundation of public health progress. From vaccines that prevent deadly diseases to innovations in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals—including precision medicine—and digital health systems, scientific discovery continues to save millions of lives each year. In Nigeria, our commitment is to ensure that policies and interventions are driven by credible data and evidence,” he stated.
Dr. Salako also highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. He assured that the Federal Government will continue to strengthen collaboration among the health, agriculture, environment, and research sectors to ensure early detection and effective response to emerging health threats.
The Minister commended the longstanding partnership with the World Health Organization, noting that it has significantly supported Nigeria in strengthening disease surveillance, emergency response systems, immunisation coverage, maternal and child health, and overall national health capacity.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s health sector still faces structural challenges, Dr. Salako stressed that the government remains committed to addressing them through deliberate reforms, strategic investments, and strengthened partnerships under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
“We are clear in our vision: every Nigerian, regardless of income, location, or social status, should have access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship. Healthcare must be a fundamental right, accessible to all at the point of need,” he said.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Minister disclosed that utilisation of primary healthcare services has increased significantly—from about 10 million visits in early 2024 to approximately 45 million visits by mid-2025—indicating renewed public confidence in the system.
He further noted progress in immunisation, revealing that over 14 million girls aged 9–14 have received the HPV vaccine, while the measles-rubella campaign has reached over 102 million children, achieving about 99% coverage.
On maternal and child health, Dr. Salako explained that targeted interventions such as the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) are yielding positive results, with maternal mortality reduced by about 17% in participating facilities.
In the area of financial protection, he stated that the National Health Insurance Authority has expanded coverage to over 21.7 million Nigerians—representing nearly a 33% increase since late 2023—through initiatives including the Vulnerable Group Fund and community-based insurance schemes.
He also acknowledged the critical role of state governments and sub-national health institutions in delivering healthcare services at the grassroots, describing their contributions as vital to achieving national health goals.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, mni, described the occasion as a reminder that health is fundamental to national development, economic productivity, and social stability.
She emphasized that the Ministry has continued to implement reforms aimed at improving access to affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare services, including strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance coverage, advancing digital health initiatives, and fostering cross-sector partnerships.
Kachollom also commended development partners, civil society organisations, professional bodies, the private sector, and the media for their continued support, noting that the media remains a critical partner in public health communication and awareness.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the WHO, Country Director Pavel Ursu stated that investments in surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and data have strengthened Nigeria’s ability to respond to outbreaks such as polio, measles, Lassa fever, and cholera.
He, however, warned that inequities and declining trust in science could slow progress, stressing the need for sustained collaboration and commitment across sectors.
Similarly, speaking on behalf of development partners, Dr. Oluwatosin Kolade of UNFPA highlighted that global health gains have been driven by science, evidence, and collective action. He called for renewed commitment to evidence-based decision-making and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
Following the official launch of the 2025 National Health Facility Survey by Dr. Salako, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, represented by Mr. David Babalola, expressed readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in providing data-driven insights. He disclosed that the survey indicates that about 70% of public healthcare facilities provide child delivery services, while antenatal services are
