Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA engagement report

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• Aug 5, 20267.1x their median

  #OfficialStatement The Federal Government has directed the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the protection of health workers across Nigeria following the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel. The measures include stronger security protocols in federal tertiary health institutions, improved incident reporting and response, closer coordination with law enforcement agencies, and stricter enforcement of existing laws against assault, intimidation and harassment of health workers. The Federal Government reaffirms that violence against health workers has no place in Nigeria’s health system. Protecting those who provide care is essential to safeguarding patients, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery and strengthening public confidence in our health institutions. Read the full Official Statement..

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• Jul 19, 20262.4x their median

  Media Brief FG Accelerates Local Production of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits Abuja, Nigeria | 19 July 2026 The Federal Government has taken fresh steps to accelerate local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding access to quality diagnostics, and advancing Nigeria’s healthcare value chain. At a strategic review meeting chaired by the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and Troment Biotechnology Limited reviewed progress on the operationalisation of a local manufacturing facility for affordable RDT kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) for malaria, tuberculosis and other priority diseases. The meeting assessed implementation milestones, resolved outstanding issues, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fast-track local production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Increasing Local Production of Healthcare Products. “Local manufacturing of diagnostics is not just an economic priority; it is a health security imperative,” Prof. Pate said. “We are removing every bottleneck to accelerate production and deliver affordable test kits to Nigerians.” To accelerate implementation, Prof. Pate directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee (APG) Agreement and tasked the Ministry’s legal and technical teams to work with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, NASENI and Troment Biotechnology Limited to conclude all outstanding legal and administrative processes. He further directed regular implementation reviews to ensure the timely delivery of the project. The Coordinating Minister reaffirmed that expanding domestic manufacturing of essential health commodities remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that local production of RDT kits and IVDs will strengthen Nigeria’s health security, reduce dependence on imports, improve access to quality diagnostics, stimulate industrial growth, and create skilled employment opportunities. About the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) is a Federal Government reform programme aimed at strengthening local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostics, and other health products. The initiative seeks to reduce dependence on imports, attract private investment, create skilled jobs, improve access to quality healthcare commodities, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for healthcare manufacturing and innovation.

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• Jul 18, 20261.8x their median

  Media Brief FG Fast-Tracks Digital Identity Integration to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage   ABUJA | 18 July 2026 – The Federal Government is fast-tracking the integration of trusted digital identity into Nigeria’s healthcare system as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen healthcare delivery, expand financial protection and accelerate progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.   The renewed drive was reinforced during a strategic engagement between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, and the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, following a presentation on the implementation opportunities created by the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2025. Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Pate described the Act as a landmark reform that strengthens the legal and institutional framework for a secure, trusted and sovereign digital identity ecosystem, noting that it presents a significant opportunity to accelerate digital health transformation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   The Coordinating Minister said digital technology remains a critical enabler of the Federal Government’s health sector reforms, supporting improved governance, better health outcomes, healthcare value chain development and stronger health security. He noted that integrating trusted digital identity into healthcare delivery will improve patient identification, strengthen continuity of care, support interoperable electronic medical records, enhance disease surveillance and improve evidence-based planning across the health system.   Prof. Pate further emphasised that the initiative would accelerate enrolment and beneficiary verification under the National Health Insurance programme, expanding financial protection for millions of Nigerians and bringing the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030. He added that with approximately 45 million patient visits recorded every quarter across revitalised Primary Healthcare Centres, trusted digital identity will support more efficient service delivery while ensuring that citizens’ data remain secure and protected. To fast-track implementation, the Coordinating Minister directed the establishment of a joint technical working group comprising representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Health Data and Digital Health Coordination Office, relevant health agencies and NIMC. The team will harmonise implementation, monitor progress and develop performance dashboards to support evidence-based decision-making across the health sector. Prof. Pate also stressed the importance of ensuring that the digital identity ecosystem is inclusive and accessible to every Nigerian, including persons living with disabilities, so that no one is left behind in the country’s digital and health transformation journey.   Earlier, the DG/CEO, NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the newly enacted NIMC Act provides the legal framework for secure digital authentication, interoperability and trusted digital services across government. She reaffirmed NIMC’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to provide the digital identity infrastructure required to support the successful implementation of Nigeria’s health sector reforms. The collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s whole-of-government approach to reform, recognising trusted digital identity as a critical enabler of more efficient, transparent and people-centred healthcare delivery. By strengthening digital integration across the health sector, Nigeria is building a more connected and resilient health system capable of delivering equitable, technology-enabled healthcare services and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

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• Aug 17, 20261.7x their median

  Press Release FG Inaugurates Joint Task Team to Protect Health Investments Abuja, Nigeria | 17 August 2026 The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Task Team of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to strengthen preventive controls and protect investments in Nigeria’s health sector. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative reflects a shift from responding to wrongdoing after it occurs to identifying vulnerabilities early, closing loopholes and strengthening systems before public resources are lost. “Every naira invested in our health system carries an obligation: to reach the facility, the health worker, and the Nigerian whose life depends on it. When those resources are diverted, the cost is not abstract. It is a medicine that never arrives, equipment that is unavailable when needed, or a service that falls short. In this sector, corruption can cost lives,” he said. Prof. Pate described the Joint Task Team as “an instrument for institutional change”, explaining that its mandate is centred on identifying institutional vulnerabilities, strengthening preventive controls and improving oversight across the health sector. Under BHCPF 2.0, the Federal Government has deployed 774 Performance and Financial Management Officers, one to every Local Government Area, to independently verify the receipt and utilisation of funds. Verified National Identification Numbers are also being used to strengthen beneficiary authentication and reduce duplication, while digitalisation is improving transparency and traceability. The Task Team builds on the Federal Government’s Red Letter of October 2025, which called on communities and ward health committees to track whether BHCPF funds reach their facilities. The Joint Task Team now adds structured institutional oversight to that citizen vigilance. The Joint Task Team will conduct assessments following each quarterly disbursement of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, with the BHCPF Secretariat serving as its Secretariat. The Team is co-chaired by the Director of Hospital Services, representing the Ministry, and a Director of the ICPC, with membership drawn from relevant supervising offices and departments. The Memorandum of Understanding runs for two years, subject to renewal. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, said protecting health-sector resources is fundamental to the Ministry’s mandate to save lives, reduce the physical and financial pain of ill-health, and produce health for all Nigerians. “This is a Team designed to be embedded in how the Ministry already works, not to sit outside it,” she said. The Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, said the partnership strengthens preventive oversight of health-sector resources, particularly the BHCPF. “Corruption in the health sector is not measured only in financial losses or accounting irregularities. The losses are measured in maternal and infant mortality rates, rates of immunisation, mortality from preventable diseases, easy and affordable access to medical care at all levels,” he said. The Coordinating Minister, alongside the Chairman of the ICPC, formally inaugurated the Joint Task Team. The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that every investment in health is protected, properly utilised and translated into better health outcomes for Nigerians.   Signed: Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations

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• Jun 24, 20261.7x their median

  MEDIA BRIEF FG HAILS IBOM MEDICAL CITY PROJECT AS MILESTONE FOR HEALTH SECTOR TRANSFORMATION   Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | 23 June 2026, The Federal Government has hailed the Ibom Medical City Project in Akwa Ibom State as a landmark investment that will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to specialised medical services, and advance Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading destination for quality healthcare in Africa.   Speaking at the unveiling and groundbreaking ceremony of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital and Ibom Medical City Project, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative represents the kind of bold investment needed to accelerate health sector transformation, improve health outcomes, and reduce the need for outbound medical tourism. Prof. Pate noted that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for creating an enabling environment that is attracting strategic investments, fostering innovation, and accelerating the development of critical infrastructure across the country.   The Coordinating Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies and reforms that unlock investment, strengthen health systems, expand access to quality healthcare services, and support the development of world-class medical facilities capable of serving Nigerians and the wider region.   The Ibom Medical City Project, situated on approximately 100 hectares of land, is envisioned as an integrated healthcare ecosystem that will provide advanced clinical services, support medical research and innovation, create employment opportunities, and strengthen specialist healthcare delivery. The project will feature a 350-bed international hospital, 62 medical specialties, medical residences, pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities, rehabilitation centres, and other healthcare support services. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State described the project as one of the most ambitious healthcare investments in the state’s history, designed to deliver world-class healthcare services while contributing to economic growth and human capital development. He disclosed that the state has employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 and plans to sponsor the training of 100 Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad to support the operation of the facility upon completion.   The Federal Government commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its vision and commitment to healthcare development, noting that partnerships and investments of this scale are critical to achieving the goal of building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous health sector that delivers better outcomes for all Nigerians.

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• Aug 3, 20261.6x their median

  Press Release FG Launches National 1,000 Days of Life Campaign to Improve Maternal and Child Nutrition Abuja, Nigeria | 03 August 2026 The Federal Government has launched the 1,000 Days of Life Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition by promoting optimal breastfeeding and healthy feeding practices during the critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday.   The campaign was unveiled on Monday in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Breastfeeding for Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” It reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to improving child survival, reducing malnutrition and giving every Nigerian child the healthiest possible start to life. Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, described breastfeeding as one of the most effective, life-saving and cost-effective interventions for child survival and development. “Every child deserves the healthiest possible start to life. Protecting the first 1,000 days is one of the smartest investments we can make for Nigeria’s future, and breastfeeding remains one of the most powerful tools to achieve that,” she said.   According to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), although about 95 per cent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, only 36 per cent initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, 29 per cent exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, while only 23 per cent continue breastfeeding up to two years, all below recommended global standards.   Daju said the figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen interventions during the first 1,000 days of life. She identified delayed initiation of breastfeeding, harmful cultural beliefs, inadequate counselling, limited workplace support and the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes as key barriers to optimal breastfeeding. Government interventions, she said, include strengthening the National Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition Strategy, expanding Baby-Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives, enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, building the capacity of healthcare workers and promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. She explained that the new campaign will mobilise families, communities and health workers to promote improved maternal nutrition, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, while encouraging greater utilisation of Primary Health Care Centres for maternal and child health services.   Director of Nutrition, Olufunmilola Adegbite, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital. Development partners, including UNICEF, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Federal Government through technical assistance, advocacy and community-based behaviour change interventions.   Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Uju Rochas-Anwukah urged stakeholders to ensure the campaign reaches communities across all 774 Local Government Areas, describing breastfeeding as a national investment in Nigeria’s future.   The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, development partners, healthcare workers, employers, communities and families to strengthen breastfeeding support systems, improve maternal and child nutrition, and ensure every Nigerian child receives the healthiest possible start during the first 1,000 days of life. Signed Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information & Public Relations

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• Aug 1, 20261.6x their median

  Media Brief FG Secures US$500 Million Gavi Support Package to Strengthen Immunisation and Primary Healthcare Abuja, Nigeria | 31 July 2026 The Federal Government has secured a five-year support package estimated at US$500 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in a major boost to Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen routine immunisation, vaccine delivery and primary healthcare. The package was announced during a meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar, who led a high-level delegation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja. The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, senior officials of the Ministry, including Directors, and the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina. Prof. Pate described the proposed support as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms and a significant boost to expanding access to life-saving vaccines and improving health outcomes. “The proposed support of almost US$500 million over the next five years speaks volumes. It gives us greater momentum to strengthen domestic financing, secure vaccines and ensure they reach every Nigerian child,” he said. The Coordinating Minister noted that since Dr. Nishtar’s last visit in 2023, quarterly utilisation of Primary Healthcare Centres has increased from about 10 million visits to more than 40 million, alongside the revitalisation of thousands of PHCs, improvements in routine immunisation and maternal and child health services, and the successful implementation of the world’s largest measles-rubella vaccination campaign, which protected more than 102 million Nigerian children. Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary welcomed the Gavi delegation and described the visit as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the Vaccine Alliance. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing the leadership, coordination and stewardship required to translate the partnership into stronger immunisation systems, improved primary healthcare and better health outcomes for Nigerians. In her remarks, Dr. Nishtar described Nigeria as Gavi’s second-largest country portfolio globally and its largest co-financing partner. She announced an upward review of Nigeria’s vaccine and cash allocation, alongside reduced co-financing obligations to provide greater fiscal flexibility, adding that reforms under the Gavi 6.0 strategy, including simplified processes, decentralised decision-making, digitised grant management and predictable five-year vaccine budgets, were informed by feedback from her 2023 visit to Nigeria. “Gavi is here to signal that we are there for you. While many global health institutions are reducing their footprint, we will continue supporting Nigeria’s immunisation programme,” she said. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining progress in routine immunisation, accelerating polio eradication, expanding HPV vaccination, strengthening primary healthcare and increasing domestic investment to ensure every Nigerian child has access to life-saving vaccines and quality healthcare services. The renewed partnership reinforces global confidence in Nigeria’s health sector reform agenda and underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building resilient, equitable and sustainable health systems for all Nigerians.

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• Aug 11, 2026

  Press Release FG Approves 35 Additional Linear Accelerators to Expand Cancer Treatment in Nigeria 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘰 𝘐𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘶𝘮, 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 Abuja, Nigeria | August 11, 2026 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029, as part of the Government of Nigeria’s efforts to expand access to radiotherapy and strengthen cancer treatment capacity across the country. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this when he received members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group in Abuja. Salako said the investment formed part of the Government of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and treatment under the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, with partnerships and international expertise supporting implementation of the national agenda. He said the government was also expanding cancer treatment infrastructure, noting that six cancer centres are being developed across the country, with three completed and the remaining three under construction. The Minister said the Federal Government had continued to place particular emphasis on cancer prevention, citing the President’s approval of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as part of routine immunisation as a major step towards preventing cervical cancer. He added that government was broadening cervical cancer screening, improving public awareness and integrating selected screening services into primary and secondary levels of care to strengthen early detection, while also establishing a Cervical Cancer Elimination Council. “Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything possible to expand routine immunisation, broaden screening and improve early detection,” he said. Salako commended members of the Global Advisory Council and the Technical Working Group for bringing expertise, experience, networks and resources to support Nigeria’s cancer control agenda, and called for wider international partnerships to accelerate progress towards improved cancer outcomes. The Minister also formally inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, describing it as an important platform for advancing collaboration, knowledge and improved outcomes in the management of blood cancers. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the engagement would contribute to improved cancer outcomes for Nigerians. In her remarks, the Chairman of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, Professor Folakemi Odedina, said the initiative had brought together Nigerian experts at home and in the diaspora, government, academia, healthcare providers, patients, advocates, industry and international partners around a common national vision for cancer control. She disclosed that the Technical Working Group had become operational and was working to strengthen cancer research and develop a stronger national oncology clinical trials ecosystem, while fostering strategic partnerships between Nigerian institutions and leading global cancer centres. The meeting concluded with the ceremonial signing of a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and members of the Global Advisory Council.   Signed Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations

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• Jun 27, 2026

  Media Brief NIGERIA’S HEALTH REFORMS DELIVER HISTORIC GAINS: HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLMENT REACHES 22 MILLION, HEALTH SYSTEM RANKS 4TH IN AFRICA   Abuja, Nigeria | June 26, 2026 – Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are delivering measurable gains, with health insurance enrolment increasing from 16 million to 22 million Nigerians over the past three years, early national data pointing to improvements in key health indicators, and the country’s health system now ranked 4th in Africa, behind only South Africa, Tunisia and Kenya. These milestones were highlighted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, after co-chairing the 15th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) with the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako. The meeting reviewed progress under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), and agreed on key measures to sustain the momentum of reforms nationwide. Prof. Pate noted that while the BHCPF has disbursed ₦339 billion over its 12-year history, ₦235 billion, nearly 70 per cent of the total, has been released in just the last three years under the current administration, underscoring President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare. The investments have enabled over 8,000 Primary Healthcare Centres to receive direct facility financing, expanded emergency medical services nationwide, strengthened disease surveillance, and increased access to essential health services. He further disclosed that preliminary findings from the 2026 Mini Demographic and Health Survey (Mini-DHS) show encouraging improvements in antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, immunisation, child health and other key population health indicators. Additionally, more than 48,000 women have benefited from free comprehensive emergency obstetric care, while emergency medical services have provided life-saving care to over 130,000 Nigerians. The Coordinating Minister also highlighted the recent approval of BHCPF-supported preparedness funding for all 36 states and the FCT to strengthen readiness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), complementing the work of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and reinforcing Nigeria’s capacity to detect, prevent and respond to emerging public health threats. He also called on state and local governments to fulfil their counterpart funding obligations under the BHCPF and strengthen staffing at primary healthcare facilities to sustain the gains being recorded. Prof. Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative through strategic investments, stronger accountability, deeper collaboration with states and development partners, and continued reforms that expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for every Nigerian. The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) is the Federal Government’s flagship financing mechanism for strengthening primary healthcare, expanding financial protection, improving emergency medical services and enhancing health security. It is a key financing pillar of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), which advances the principle of “One Plan, One Budget, One Conversation” in driving Nigeria’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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• Jul 2, 2026

  Media Brief NIGERIA, SWITZERLAND DEEPEN COLLABORATION AHEAD OF DECEMBER GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Abuja, Nigeria | 1 July 2026 - As Nigeria intensifies preparations to host the 5th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in December, the Federal Government and the Government of Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening global action against antimicrobial resistance through collaboration, innovation and sustainable health system reforms. The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by Switzerland’s Minister of Health, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, accompanied by the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, in Abuja. Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Pate said Nigeria’s response to antimicrobial resistance goes beyond healthcare, with the country adopting a One Health approach that brings together the health, agriculture, livestock, environment and water resources sectors to tackle one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges. He noted that while antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, countries face different realities, stressing that for many low- and middle-income countries, expanding access to quality antimicrobials, strengthening disease prevention and building resilient health systems are all essential to addressing the growing threat. Prof. Pate further emphasised that sustainable health security in Nigeria and across Africa cannot depend indefinitely on external financing. He noted that Nigeria is implementing reforms to expand health insurance coverage, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and increase investments in health, while positioning local pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing as a strategic priority for improving access to essential medicines, creating jobs and strengthening resilience against future health emergencies. “Our objective is not to replace international partnerships, but to ensure they complement, rather than substitute for, nationally owned systems. Sustainable health security will ultimately depend on stronger domestic institutions, financing and manufacturing capacity,” the Coordinating Minister said. The meeting also highlighted the importance of stronger regional collaboration in research, manufacturing, regulatory systems and knowledge sharing to build a more self-reliant Africa capable of responding effectively to shared health challenges. Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider described antimicrobial resistance as a cross-border challenge requiring collective global action and reaffirmed Switzerland’s support for stronger multilateral cooperation, research, innovation and workforce development. Both countries also recognised the need for universities and training institutions to strengthen their curricula to prepare the next generation of scientists, researchers, manufacturers and public health professionals needed to sustain future health system reforms. The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that advance global health security while accelerating nationally owned reforms to build a resilient, self-reliant and sustainable health system for all Nigerians.

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