…as 2025 Health Sector Joint Annual Review ends in Abuja

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Federal Government and key health sector stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening Nigeria’s health system, following the conclusion of the 2025 Health Sector–Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR) in Abuja.

The three-day meeting, convened by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) in collaboration with state governments, development partners, academia, the private sector, civil society, and traditional and religious institutions, assessed national and subnational progress under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and set priority actions for 2026.

Chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the event recorded its highest-ever participation, with nearly 1,000 delegates—more than double the attendance in 2024.

A major highlight of the 2025 JAR was the signing of the UHC Compact Addendum, which expands the original Compact to include private sector actors, local government authorities, traditional institutions, and additional ministries. The Addendum establishes clearer accountability frameworks and integrates emerging health priorities into Nigeria’s broader health reform strategy.

The Review featured five NHSRII Spotlight Sessions showcasing progress in maternal and neonatal health, primary healthcare functionality, health security, local manufacturing, pooled procurement, and regulatory systems. Reform gains in emergency referrals, social health insurance, and pooled financing were also presented.

Digital innovation stood out, with national tools and platforms on display, including the BHCPF digital platform, national e-learning systems, PHC revitalisation dashboards, the NHIA’s digital claims portal, and RESMAT’s “Save Mama” emergency response tool.

A first-of-its-kind open dialogue on corruption and fiduciary risks—using the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a case study—saw stakeholders confront governance gaps and agree on measures to strengthen transparency, oversight, and digital financial controls.

The meeting also featured an expanded Inter-agency Coordinating Committee (ICC) session where senior leaders from the NPHCDA, FMoHSW, state governments, and partners reviewed immunization performance, data quality, and vaccine financing, amid tightening fiscal conditions and the need for predictable state contributions.

More than 45 abstracts and exhibits were showcased at the JAR Exhibition Pavilion, featuring innovations, dashboards, research, and programme outcomes from MDAs, states, development organizations, and private sector actors.

A dedicated People’s Pulse Town Hall session allowed citizens to directly engage health leaders on issues of cost of care, service quality, facility responsiveness, and health worker conduct—ensuring community voices shape future policy directions.

Delegates acknowledged notable progress across several areas while identifying gaps requiring urgent action. Stakeholders adopted far-reaching resolutions to drive Nigeria’s health reforms in 2026.

The 2025 Joint Annual Review ended with renewed commitments from government and partners to accelerate progress toward UHC, strengthen accountability, and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.