The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, reported that the South West region of Nigeria recorded below 50% utilization of skilled birth attendants.
Speaking on Monday at the inaugural national quarterly health sector performance dialogue with state commissioners of health in Abuja, his first since assuming office, Pate highlighted that this assessment was based on scorecards from representatives of the six geopolitical zones and identified data collection as a critical area.
Key indicators revealed during the dialogue showed low attendance for the recommended four antenatal visits in the South West, and inadequate immunization coverage in hard-to-reach communities in the South-South for children.
In response to these findings, the minister emphasized plans to enhance the use of the district health information software (DHIS) for improved data collection from health facilities and monitoring of progress.
Pate also addressed the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, underscoring the crucial role of local governments in the national health structure. He stressed the need for them to increase efforts in enhancing health outcomes for Nigerians.
The coordinating minister reiterated the federal government’s dedication to improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
Among those present were state commissioners, directors from the Ministry of Health, representatives from the National Health Insurance Agency, and other dignitaries.
The performance dialogue aims to foster a better understanding between federal and state governments regarding areas needing support.
It also marks the commencement of Nigeria’s first-ever sector-wide approach initiative, aligned with the health renewal compact signed by President Bola Tinubu and 36 state governors in December last year.
The minister emphasized that the performance dialogue is intended not to criticize commissioners but to assess progress and highlight areas needing attention.
He called for the cooperation of state governments in ensuring accountability.