By Milcah Tanimu

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) along with key stakeholders in the health sector have outlined three critical areas that require focused attention to enhance healthcare in the nation.

Marta Levitt, Chief of Party for the USAID Integrated Health Programme, emphasized the importance of the Nigerian government, led by Bola Tinubu, directing efforts towards health insurance, family planning, and nutrition. By investing in these aspects, the health sector can be elevated to a level where every citizen can easily access healthcare services without constraints.

Levitt highlighted that such investments would swiftly yield positive results for a sector grappling with numerous challenges including high out-of-pocket expenses and limited access to fundamental healthcare services. Speaking during a health seminar titled “Implication of Changes in Government on Public Health Policies and Programmes in Nigeria,” held to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of Sydani Group in Abuja, Levitt underscored the potential of the new administration and stressed the need to act promptly to prioritize health. She advocated for a robust health insurance scheme that offers universal coverage, accessible to all citizens. Levitt also emphasized the significance of family planning and nutrition in bolstering overall health outcomes.

Adding to the discourse, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, conveyed the importance of strategies to curtail policy inconsistency. Dr. Filani, also Chair of the Forum of Commissioners for Health, highlighted their concerted efforts to collaborate with the federal government to address health sector challenges. This collaborative approach involves close interaction and dialogue among the states and the federal government to expedite performance improvements in the sector.