The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the nationwide distribution of medical equipment and essential drugs to Primary Health Care (PHC) centers, in a move designed to transform service delivery and boost access to quality health care for millions of Nigerians.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, who officially flagged off the exercise on Thursday in Abuja, described the initiative as a landmark in the ongoing revitalization of Nigeria’s primary health care system.
“This is not just an event, but a promise kept,” Pate declared. “Two years ago, we embarked on an ambitious journey to revive our PHCs by setting measurable targets. Today, we are witnessing that commitment being fulfilled.”
The Minister issued a stern warning that the government would not tolerate any diversion or misapplication of the equipment and medicines.
“We will not stand idly by while resources meant for Nigerians are misused,” he cautioned. “Any frontline worker, health facility manager, local government or state official, or even federal official found guilty of diversion will face serious consequences.”
Pate lamented the long-standing challenges in the health sector, stressing that many PHCs had remained underutilized and poorly functional for years. “For too long, our mothers have had to travel long distances to deliver, many dying in the process. Children missed vaccinations, and entire communities lost hope. This intervention seeks to change that narrative,” he said.
The Minister praised the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for spearheading the revitalization of PHCs, while also commending the support of international partners such as GAVI, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Global Fund.
“We appreciate their technical and financial support for this nationally-owned effort. It is proof that when Nigeria leads, partners will stand with us,” he said.
Giving an update on achievements, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, revealed that significant strides have already been made in strengthening the PHC system nationwide.
According to him, 1,295 PHCs have been fully refurbished with improved physical infrastructure; Solar power systems have been installed in 38 PHCs to ensure reliable electricity.
He added that 69,106 frontline health workers have been trained and equipped with uniforms and kits, with support from the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady.
“Some states, like Kaduna, have recruited new health workers 216 skilled attendants and 969 community-based workers—with federal support to sustain their salaries over the next few years.
On maternal and child health, Aina disclosed that under the Maternal and Child Health Initiative (MAMI), 411,000 pregnant women across 21 states have been enrolled, with 30,587 women receiving targeted antenatal and diagnostic care.
He further revealed that the Federal Government, through the agency, has so far invested over ₦9 billion in equipment and more than ₦14 billion in health commodities.
Aina, urged state governments to complement the Federal Government’s intervention by committing additional resources to equipping and staffing PHCs. He also called on Nigerians to take part in the upcoming measles and rubella campaign, which targets 109 million children and adolescents nationwide.
“The campaign will not only provide measles vaccines, but also polio vaccines, nutritional interventions, and malaria commodities as part of an integrated package,” he explained