The World Health Organization (WHO) and all 36 state governors are set to enter into a compact agreement aimed at enhancing healthcare services across the nation.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state disclosed this during a press briefing after the conclusion of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He elaborated that the decision to engage in an agreement with the WHO stemmed from a presentation on Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Programme, delivered by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, during the council meeting.
The presentation encompassed a comprehensive assessment of challenges within the health sector, covering financing, human resources, and supervision. It also addressed leadership structures from the national to local levels, emphasizing the imperative for governors and local governments to prioritize the health sector.
Governor Mohammed highlighted the criticality of nurturing the health sector, underscoring its pivotal role in the country’s technological advancement.
He announced that a resolution was reached at the council for the signing of a compact agreement with the WHO scheduled for December 15. This agreement aims to reaffirm governors’ commitment to approach healthcare through dedicated budgeting, providing the sector with the necessary attention and resources.
Following the minister’s presentation, discussions focused on resource generation, including proposals to leverage taxes on communication services, airlines, and state government taxes to address existing gaps in the health sector.
The governor emphasized the need to develop strategies for nurturing human capital, including efforts to retain local experts to bolster the country’s healthcare system.