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The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Nigeria to redouble its efforts in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a critical component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

Speaking during a high-level health forum in Abuja, WHO officials stressed that Nigeria must prioritize investments in primary healthcare, equitable service delivery, and health financing reforms to meet its UHC targets by 2030.

Why UHC Matters for Nigeria

Universal Health Coverage ensures that every individual can access essential health services without suffering financial hardship. However, Nigeria faces persistent challenges such as:

• Shortage of healthcare workers
• Inadequate funding for health infrastructure
• High out-of-pocket expenses for patients

According to WHO, over 70% of Nigerians pay for healthcare out-of-pocket, a trend that exposes millions to catastrophic health spending and poverty.

WHO’s Recommendations

The WHO Country Representative urged the Nigerian government to:

• Expand health insurance coverage to reach vulnerable populations.
• Strengthen primary healthcare as the foundation for UHC.
• Increase public health investment in line with the Abuja Declaration, which recommends allocating at least 15% of national budgets to health.

“Achieving UHC is not only a health priority but also a pathway to reducing poverty and promoting economic development,” WHO stated.

Next Steps

The Federal Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) reforms and enhancing service delivery in rural and urban communities.