“Tinubu’s Health Revolution: Paving The Path To Universal Healthcare
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s health sector has undergone major reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. Through frameworks like the National Health Sector Renewal Compact and initiatives such as PHC 2.0 and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, over 8,000 Primary Health Centres are being revitalised across the country. These moves, backed by over N130 billion in funding and a sharp rise in insurance enrolment, reflect a push to reduce health disparities and expand access, particularly for rural populations.
A notable milestone came with the nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, immunising 14 million girls against cervical cancer, and the implementation of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which has already impacted thousands of women through free C-sections and fistula treatments. Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, reported measurable progress, including a 16.7% drop in under-five mortality and marked reductions in TB, HIV, and diarrhoea cases. Meanwhile, the training of 40,000 frontline health workers and the creation of “MediPool” a PPP-driven bulk purchasing platform aim to strengthen workforce capacity and reduce drug costs.
Despite these achievements, sector experts warn of enduring challenges. Funding still falls short of the Abuja Declaration’s 15% target, and brain drain, poor infrastructure, and uneven service delivery remain serious concerns. Calls for more robust incentives, consistent power supply, and equitable distribution of human resources are growing louder. Analysts stress that building health centres is not enough Nigeria must improve the quality and sustainability of care across all wards.
Nevertheless, global recognition including Time Magazine’s nod to Prof. Pate and other Nigerian health leaders signals the country’s rising influence in global health. With continued investment, deeper private-sector collaboration, and stronger community engagement, the Tinubu administration now stands at a critical juncture: to solidify these gains and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of geography or income, receives quality, affordable healthcare.
By Toyin
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