The Doha Forum offers a vital platform for global stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share solutions, and exchange ideas. Prof. Muhammadu Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, discussed the significance of the forum during the ongoing event. He pointed out that the forum allows Nigeria to showcase its progress, especially in the health sector, and to share its perspectives on global issues.
Fostering global cooperation on health
Prof. Pate emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue between nations and stakeholders. He explained that this cooperation helps address health challenges not only in Nigeria and Africa but also worldwide. The minister noted that Nigeria’s participation in the forum included several bilateral meetings, which he believes will lead to tangible contributions to the country’s healthcare system. He also highlighted the value of sharing knowledge, where both wealthier nations and Nigeria benefit from each other’s experiences.
Reforms and investments in Nigeria’s health sector
Prof. Pate discussed the recent reforms and developments within Nigeria’s health sector. The Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a key component of the government’s Renewal Agenda, aims to improve healthcare governance and population health outcomes. The initiative focuses on tackling non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, while also strengthening Nigeria’s health security.
The minister also shared that Nigeria had made significant progress in increasing domestic financing for health and expanding its vaccination programmes. He pointed to successful efforts in introducing new vaccines, including those for human papillomavirus (HPV) and malaria. He also mentioned the expansion of primary healthcare services to over 8,000 health facilities and the retraining of thousands of frontline health workers.
In addition to these efforts, Prof. Pate discussed the expansion of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. The country has increased the number of medical, pharmacy, and nursing student quotas, and it is modernising its teaching hospitals. The minister highlighted the development of six new cancer treatment facilities, two of which will open in May 2025.
The Nigerian government has also taken steps to encourage investment in the health sector. Prof. Pate mentioned an executive order signed by the president to remove tariffs on raw materials and manufacturing equipment for the sector. This move has already resulted in over 50 investment cases being developed, signalling a positive outlook for healthcare growth in Nigeria.
