The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing universal health coverage (UHC) by prioritizing research, technology, and local healthcare manufacturing. Speaking at the 2024 Research Symposium in Abuja, Abdul Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain Initiative, emphasized the role of research in policy development, innovation, and reducing dependency on imported healthcare products. He highlighted government initiatives like the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII) and the Presidential Initiative for Domestic Healthcare Manufacturing, aimed at boosting self-reliance and improving healthcare access and quality.
Mukhtar stressed the importance of digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, for data-driven decision-making and highlighted successful projects, including the Centre for Genomic Research and localized healthcare solutions. Dutch Consul-General Michel Deelen underscored his country’s investment in Nigeria’s healthcare through the €46 million Health Innovation Fund, which has enhanced health inclusivity through initiatives like the digitized social health insurance in Lagos and Kwara states. Deelen also praised the Mandatory Health Insurance Act, enabling the nationwide scaling of healthcare quality improvements.
PharmaAccess Country Director Njide Ndili advocated for data-driven and context-specific policies to address Nigeria’s unique healthcare challenges. She cited the transformative potential of mobile health tools, such as the Mobile App for Triage and Screening, to improve healthcare access and efficiency. The symposium concluded with calls for sustained collaboration among stakeholders, leveraging Nigeria’s talent and resources to achieve resilient, equitable, and inclusive healthcare systems across the nation.
