To address ongoing challenges in primary health care, such as funding gaps, workforce shortages, and weak systems, Nigeria Health Watch is convening a policy dialogue in Kaduna State. Themed “Advancing Sustainable Financing and Workforce Capacity for Equitable Primary Health Care Delivery and Improved Health Outcomes in Kaduna State,” the event aims to drive collaborative solutions for efficient PHCs. It will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
In 2011, the Federal Government introduced the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy to strengthen PHC delivery by streamlining governance and reducing service fragmentation. The policy aimed to unify PHC under a single authority at the state level, addressing longstanding issues such as underfunding, workforce shortages, weak referral pathways, and ineffective monitoring systems.
Despite a strategic policy shift over a decade ago, significant gaps remain in Nigeria’s primary healthcare (PHC) system. Evaluations show that many challenges, such as inadequate financing and poor service delivery, persist. Of Nigeria’s 30,000 PHC facilities, only 20% are fully operational. Most face critical issues like insufficient staffing, poor infrastructure, limited medical supplies, and inadequate access to essential medicines, particularly in rural and underserved areas, exacerbating health disparities across the country.
Kaduna State has demonstrated a strong commitment to healthcare by consistently meeting the 15% health budget allocation benchmark over the past three years. However, the real challenge lies in allocation and in mobilising, disbursing, and effectively utilising these funds to enhance service delivery. Despite progress under Nigeria’s Health Sector Investment Renewal Plan (2023–2026), significant gaps remain, particularly in the equitable distribution and availability of skilled health workers.
“Sustainable financing for primary health care is not just about securing funds; it’s about ensuring those resources are allocated equitably to empower communities and strengthen the health workforce at the grassroots level,” said Kemisola Agbaoye, Director of Programmes, Nigeria Health Watch.
This policy dialogue will bring together key stakeholders to explore practical solutions to persistent funding gaps and workforce shortages in primary healthcare. It will focus on sustainable financing models and strategies to improve health workers’ recruitment, distribution, and retention, especially in underserved areas, to strengthen PHC delivery and enhance health outcomes.
Building a workforce capable of delivering equitable and quality primary health care service demands not just funds, but a coordinated approach to financing that aligns with national priorities and empowers local health systems to thrive independently.
Said Safiya Shuaibu Isa, Deputy Director of Advocacy & Partnerships, Nigeria Health Watch.
The policy dialogue reinforces Nigeria Health Watch’s ongoing commitment to strengthening primary health care and promoting accountability within the health sector. Through initiatives like the Community Health Watch project and community-led perception surveys, Nigeria Health Watch has consistently highlighted key challenges in PHC delivery, including funding gaps, workforce shortages, and weak systems.
The event will feature representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Management Board, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and community leaders. It will be a hybrid event, offering both in-person and virtual participation. To attend online, please register here:https://nhwat.ch/43G14ke.
