FG partners UK to boost health workforce in Nigeria, others

The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Kingdom Government has launched an initiative geared towards improving the health workforce in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.

The initiative, which is tagged the Global Healthcare Workforce Programme (GHWP) is funded by the United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care.

Speaking during the launch yesterday in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the Nigerian health workforce is the cornerstone of the nation’s healthcare system, tirelessly working to ensure the well-being of citizens.

He said there were, however, gaps that demand attention such as critical shortages to disparities in skills distribution.

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Pate said in addressing the identified gaps, the ministry has devised strategic priorities aimed at fortifying the health workforce and the overall health systems.

He said the Global Health Workforce Programme aligns with the country’s national health workers strengthening agenda.

“Under the management of the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), the GHWP will play a crucial role in addressing our country’s workforce challenges. It has the potential to catalyze transformative change, and your dedication to this will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our healthcare landscape,” he said.

He added that the partnership signifies a shared vision of a robust health workforce, resilient health care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria who was represented by Dr Ebere Anyachukwu, said the UK International Development programme would support the Nigerian Government’s efforts by backing a range of enduring partnerships between UK and Nigerian institutions – to improve the skill, expertise and effectiveness of Nigeria’s health workforce.