The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate, has said the South West recorded below 50 per cent for deliveries of skilled birth attendants in Nigeria.
Pate remarked on Monday at the first national quarterly health sector performance dialogue with state commissioners of health in Abuja, his first, since his assumption of office.
According to him, the result was reached after scorecards representatives of the six geopolitical zones were presented and data generation was identified.
The key indicators presented revealed that the South West zone recorded low turnout for the four recommended antenatal visits for pregnant women, and the South-South also recorded low immunisation for children, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities.
Responding to the key indicators presented, the minister noted that the use of the district health information software (DHIS) will be improved upon, to aid in data gathering from health facilities and guide on progress made.
He also touched on the implication of the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy, clarifying that the local government is a key part of the nation’s health structure, and they must step up in their responsibility to improve health outcomes for Nigerians.
The coordinating minister reassured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to achieving better health outcomes for all.
The event was attended by some state commissioners, directors from the Ministry of Health, representatives of the national health insurance agency, and other guests.
The performance dialogue seeks to provide an opportunity for federal and state governments, to understand areas of need and provide support accordingly.
It also signalled the implementation of Nigeria’s first-ever sector-wide approach initiative, in line with the health renewal compact signed by President Bola Tinubu and 36 state governors in December last year.
The minister noted that the performance dialogue is not a witch hunt for the commissioners, but a platform to access progress made and shine the light on key areas where necessary.
He sought the collaboration of state governments in the accountability process.
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