Tag: Federal Ministry of Health

  • Federal Government Unveils ‘RenewHER’ Initiative to Transform Women’s Healthcare

    Federal Government Unveils ‘RenewHER’ Initiative to Transform Women’s Healthcare

    According to Daily Post reporting on Thursday, the Federal Government has officially launched a strategic deliberative process aimed at revamping healthcare delivery for women across Nigeria. The initiative, coordinated through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, brought together over 20 prominent women’s groups at the Presidential Villa to align grassroots needs with national policy. The move is central to the “RenewHER Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative,” which seeks to eliminate barriers to medical access for underserved populations.

    The program adopts a “statewide approach” to ensure that health interventions are not centralized but felt at the community level. During the stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, officials emphasized that the primary goal is to listen to civil society and professional leaders who interact daily with women in rural areas. By fostering this collaboration, the government intends to examine existing policies, increase advocacy, and improve the actual delivery of maternal and reproductive services nationwide.

    The project emphasizes that the solutions for women’s health cannot be designed in isolation. Dr. Steinacker noted that by involving groups closest to the grassroots, the administration can better understand the specific pain points and cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking care. This coordinated framework is expected to serve as a blueprint for future health investments under the current administration’s development agenda.

    Validating this development, The Guardian reports that the initiative is a response to rising maternal mortality concerns, noting, “The RenewHER project represents a shift toward data-driven and inclusive health governance.” Similarly, Leadership highlights the involvement of international partners, quoting a health advocate who stated, “This is the first time we are seeing a dedicated presidential office focused specifically on the nuances of women’s clinical needs.”

    Echotitbits take: This initiative is a critical step in addressing Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates. By shifting from a top-down approach to a “listening” model, the government might finally bridge the gap between policy and the reality of rural clinics. Watch for the rollout of specific funding allocations to primary healthcare centers in the coming months.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/12/nigerian-govt-initiates-strategies-to-improve-women-health/, February 12, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Post

  • Major Healthcare Crisis Averted as JOHESU Suspends Three-Month Strike

    Major Healthcare Crisis Averted as JOHESU Suspends Three-Month Strike

    In an update published by Channels TV, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its 84-day nationwide strike following a breakthrough in negotiations with the Federal Government. The suspension brings relief to millions of Nigerians who have been unable to access affordable healthcare services in public hospitals for nearly three months.

    The union, which represents nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, had downed tools over issues including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the payment of hazard allowance arrears. The government has reportedly agreed to a phased implementation of the new salary structure and has committed to clearing outstanding arrears by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

    While the strike is suspended, the union has warned that its members will not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to uphold its end of the bargain. Hospital managements across the country have been directed to ensure a smooth transition and immediate resumption of clinical services.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and Premium Times highlight the human cost of the dispute. Vanguard reported that “maternal and child mortality rates spiked in several states during the strike period,” and Premium Times quoted the JOHESU Chairman saying, “we are suspending the strike in good faith, but our eyes are on the implementation timeline.”

    Echotitbits take: The healthcare system has taken a massive hit, and “suspending” is not the same as “ending.” The government must prioritize these payments to prevent a total collapse of the public health sector, especially with Lassa Fever cases rising in the North.

    Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/johesu-suspends-84-day-nationwide-strike/, February 10, 2026

    Photo credit: Voice of Nigeria

  • Looming Healthcare Crisis: Nigeria Faces Deficit of 260,000 Doctors

    Looming Healthcare Crisis: Nigeria Faces Deficit of 260,000 Doctors

    New figures cited in reporting indicate Nigeria’s pool of licensed medical doctors has dropped to about 40,000, leaving an estimated shortfall of 260,000 doctors for a population exceeding 200 million.

    Drivers: The ongoing “Japa” migration of health workers remains a central factor, with experts warning that the current doctor-to-patient ratio is unsustainable and is worsening outcomes in public facilities.

    Impact: Rural communities are described as the hardest hit, with multiple local government areas reportedly lacking resident doctors.

    Echotitbits take: Without urgent intervention—competitive pay, safer working conditions, and retention incentives—the system risks severe service breakdowns. Watch for policy moves around bonding, accelerated training pipelines, and emergency recruitment.

    Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/what-high-profile-losses-reveal-about-nigerias-healthcare-crisis/ (January 25, 2026)

    The Nation 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: The Nation