Federal government has pledged that no certified Community Health Officer, CHO, will remain unemployed, reaffirming its commitment to address the health disparities between urban and rural Nigeria.
Coordinating Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the announcement yesterday during the 5th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for new CHOs in Abuja.
Salako acknowledged the progress made in the healthcare system, but noted that challenges such as workforce shortages, infrastructural gap and the uneven distribution of healthcare resources continue to impede advancement.
He, however, noted that these issues are most acute in rural areas, where more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population reside.
“You are not just healthcare providers; you are the bridge between government policies and the realities ofthose at the grassroots,” he told the new inductees.
The minister highlighted their crucial role as the first line of defence in these communities, particularly in promoting preventive care and health education.
Salako also reiterated government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, UHC, which it viewed as a fundamental right for every Nigerian.
He said the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government is actively implementing policies to achieve UHC, including the revitalisation of 10,000 Primary Healthcare Centers nationwide.
“Government’s policy is clear: no CHO should be unemployed.
“We are dedicated to deploying and empowering community health workers to address healthcare needs, especially in underserved regions,” Salako affirmed.
He discussed the National Health Insurance Authority, which aims to enroll 50 million Nigerians by 2027, stressing that CHOs would play a pivotal role in this initiative through grassroots mobilisation.
In addition to the deployment efforts, the minister emphasised ongoing support for Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, ensuring rigorous standards and continuous professional development for CHOs.
Salako urged the inductees to view their certification as a “national calling” and to serve with integrity, compassion and innovation.
He also called on Nigerians to prioritise preventive healthcare and support the work of community health practitioners in their local communities. (NAN)
