From Victor Osula Abuja
Nigeria’s health sector reforms have gained international recognition as the country’s Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) model was presented as a global benchmark during the 2025 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
At the high-level dialogue themed “Scaling Health Reforms,” leaders from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, health ministers, and global investors applauded Nigeria’s strides in sustainable health financing, pharmaceutical production, and innovation in primary healthcare delivery.
Representing Nigeria, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted the measurable impact of the SWAp model, which integrates donor and government investments with national priorities.
According to Pate, revitalised primary healthcare centres funded through the initiative recorded over 80 million patient visits in the first half of 2025—representing a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2023.
He said the achievement reflects the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in expanding healthcare access and driving economic productivity.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, also commended Nigeria’s leadership in health sector reform, describing the SWAp model as a standard-setter for governance, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
Implemented under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the SWAp model harmonises domestic and external health funding and accelerates progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
