The Banquet Hall of Aso Villa played host to the 2024 Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, where Uche Amaonwu, Country Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), applauded Nigerian leaders for their commitment to strengthening primary health care systems across the nation.
In his remarks, Amaonwu commended the unwavering dedication of state governors and federal leaders to improving health outcomes, despite the challenges of the past year. He highlighted the significance of the Health Sector Renewal Compact, signed a year ago under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
“Exactly one year ago, many of your Excellencies reiterated your commitment to universal health coverage by signing the Health Sector Renewal Compact. This has been instrumental in reducing program fragmentation and maximizing resources to improve health outcomes,” Amaonwu said.
He praised the partnership between the Gates Foundation and Nigerian leaders, emphasizing the Foundation’s belief that Nigeria’s health challenges can be addressed through a well-functioning PHC system. “The bulk of the health challenges that Nigeria faces can be addressed through well-functioning PHCs that reach the most vulnerable in an equitable fashion,” she stated.
A Commitment to Catalytic Interventions
Amaonwu explained that the PHC Leadership Challenge Award, designed with grant funding for winning states, aims to support interventions tailored to the unique needs of each state. “We encourage you to use the funds to drive meaningful interventions that are catalytic and can move the needle on health outcomes,” she urged.
He also stressed the importance of leadership in ensuring PHC issues remain a priority at the subnational level, aligning with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Plan and Compact.
Gratitude for Partners and Health Workers
Amaonwu extended her appreciation to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and steadfast partners such as the Aliko Dangote Foundation for their collaboration. He also lauded health workers across Nigeria for their dedication, particularly those who have chosen to remain in the country.
“To all health workers nationwide, your dedication is highly valued, and we thank you for driving the successes we celebrate today,” he said.
Commendation for Bold Reforms
The Gates Foundation Country Director reserved special praise for Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, acknowledging his bold reforms in the health sector, and for Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose steadfast support has been instrumental in advancing health initiatives.
About the PHC Leadership Challenge
The PHC Leadership Challenge, implemented by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in partnership with UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and supported by the BMGF, recognizes exceptional leadership in delivering primary health care services.
The initiative, rooted in the Seattle Declaration of 2019, aims to:
Accelerate the implementation of the Declaration.
Strengthen political commitment to improving PHC outcomes.
Foster accountability and improved performance across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Track governors’ progress in fulfilling their commitments under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative Compact.
Amaonwu concluded with optimism, encouraging continued efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s PHC systems meet the needs of its people. “While we celebrate the successes today, let us see the opportunity to do even better towards these goals,” he emphasized.
The event celebrated strides made in Nigeria’s health sector and reaffirmed the commitment of leaders and partners to achieving universal health coverage.