Nigeria and Cross River State reaffirm commitment to UHC progress at the 66th National Council for Health. Key reforms include expanded health insurance, primary healthcare upgrades, and increased federal funding. WHO and development partners support coordinated efforts to improve equity and access in health
The Federal and Cross River State Governments reconfirmed their joint commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) meeting in Calabar. Cross River State highlighted reforms like six months maternity leave, 28% health insurance coverage, and renovation of over 100 primary healthcare centers with support from the World Bank and Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, noted federal funding of ₦68 billion for vaccines and ₦50 billion for health worker arrears, urging states to increase health budgets by at least 1% in 2026. Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Salako praised states like Lagos and Kaduna for progress in health insurance and primary healthcare revitalization. Development partners like WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, and US agencies continue to support Nigeria’s health system strengthening. The Permanent Secretary commended state commitment, leadership, and technical contributions. The WHO also presented vehicles and medical equipment to Cross River State during the event, underscoring collaborative efforts to advance UHC and equitable healthcare access across Nigeria
