The World Bank has pledged unwavering support for Nigeria’s health sector,
announcing a collaborative effort to transform healthcare through data-driven policy, strategic funding and strong inter-governmental partnerships.

Dr Ndiame Diop, the Country Director for the World Bank Group, made this announcement at the inaugural Health Sector Joint Annual
Meeting for the Joint Annual Review (JAR) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting is aimed at evaluating progress across the health sector, focusing primarily on the effectiveness of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).

The country has made significant strides in strengthening the health sector and providing
equitable access to quality healthcare for citizens, regardless of location or status.

Diop, therefore, commended government for the ambitious Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which aims to tackle longstanding health
challenges by uniting federal, state and local governments along with global partners under a common vision.

He stated that the initiative focuses on addressing critical issues in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health areas that have seen limited progress since 2014, according to the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.

“As a newcomer, I was frankly surprised by Nigeria’s health indicators, which do not align with the country’s status as Africa’s largest economy,” Diop remarked.

“The data shows that while our goals are noble, we need to intensify efforts to improve health outcomes across the board.”

He stressed the importance of data-driven, evidence-based policymaking, noting that such policies empower the government to prioritise resources, enhance accountability and make health interventions more effective.

Diop also announced the mobilisation of 750 million dollars in partnership with the Global Financing Facility, the Children’s Investment Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

“These funds will support result-oriented programs and foster greater cooperation among Nigeria’s federal, state and local governments.

“Accountability is essential to the success of this initiative. By grounding our approach in transparent, measurable outcomes, we foster public trust and ensure that health resources are allocated wisely,” he said.

He assured that the World Bank would not only provide financial resources but also offer global expertise to help Nigeria achieve significant strides in health system performance, governance, and service delivery.

He expressed the World Bank’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare systems, expressing optimism for impactful, collaborative outcomes from the initiative.

Dr Walter-Kazadi Molumbo, WHO Representative to Nigeria, stressed the need for Nigeria and its partners to use this event as a springboard for serious action on the UN Agenda for Action.

Molumbo emphasised the importance of strengthening health systems, particularly in maternal care, through a unified approach of “one plan, one budget, one report, and one conversation.”

According to him, the initiative is aimed at creating cohesive, sustainable and equitable health services.

He highlighted five key actions: improving maternal and community health services, ensuring support for health services and basic economic needs and reaching marginalised communities through public-private partnerships,

Other actions are streamlining efforts through data-driven programming, and building stronger capacities in production, data management, and innovation.

Through these actions, he envisions Nigeria making significant strides toward sustainable development and an effective public health response.

Mr Thabani Maphosa, Chief of Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, pledged Gavi’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health reforms, particularly through the SWAp initiative.

Maphosa used the metaphor of “smelling rain” to convey a sense of impending change and progress.

He acknowledged past challenges but stressed that Gavi’s success is directly tied to Nigeria’s progress.

“Gavi is fully committed to the SWAp, believes in its potential and has already contributed 194 million dollars in alignment with this initiative.”

He also underscored the need for mutual accountability, sacrifice and institutional alignment to achieve success.

“Gavi is ready to learn alongside Nigeria and urges all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring the success of Nigeria’s health reforms,” he said.

This approach, he added, is one of shared responsibility and hope for a better future in Nigeria’s health system.

Earlier, Ms. Kachalom Daju, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to accountability and measurable outcomes in the health sector.

Daju highlighted that the JAR emphasised tracking progress against set goals to hold stakeholders accountable, optimise resources and make tangible improvements in public health, especially for vulnerable populations.

She explained that this focus ensures that efforts translate into real, positive changes for Nigerians’ health and well-being, ultimately driving a more resilient, equitable and responsive health system.

The three-day event will focus on setting priorities for the next phase of Nigeria’s health sector reforms, as well as exploring solutions to the challenges facing the country’s healthcare system.(NAN)