FG pledges employment for all community health officers nationwide
The federal government has pledged that no certified community health officer (CHO) will remain unemployed, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the health disparities between urban and rural Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, made the announcement on Tuesday during the 5th induction and oath-taking ceremony for new CHOs in Abuja.
Mr Salako acknowledged the progress made in Nigeria’s healthcare system. However, he noted that challenges such as workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, and the uneven distribution of healthcare resources continued to impede advancement.
He noted that the issues were most acute in rural areas, where more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population resided.
The minister highlighted their crucial role as the first line of defence in communities, particularly in promoting preventive care and health education.
Mr Salako also reiterated the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which it viewed as a fundamental right for every Nigerian.
He said President Bola Tinubu-led federal government was actively implementing policies to achieve UHC, including revitalising 10,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide.
“The government’s policy is clear: no CHO should be unemployed,” Mr Salako affirmed. “We are dedicated to deploying and empowering community health workers to address healthcare needs, especially in underserved regions.”
He further discussed the National Health Insurance Authority, which aims to enrol 50 million Nigerians by 2027, stressing that CHOs would play a pivotal role in this initiative through grassroots mobilisation.
In addition to deployment efforts, the minister emphasised the ongoing support for the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, ensuring rigorous standards and continuous professional development for CHOs.
Mr 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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Fire service says two Kano women drowned in pond
The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed that two women lost their lives in a pond in Gezawa LGA.
Economy
BOA to overhaul lending practices by instituting strict monitoring
“The bank will move away from the era of non-performing loans by adopting smart and technology-driven approaches to lending,” Mr Sotinrin said.
Economy
N5.51 trillion pension investment will boost economic development, PenCom says
The director-general of the National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, says the N5
States
Terrorists carrying out genocide in Plateau, says Governor Muftwang
“The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel,” said the governor.
Politics
Ibas appoints sole administrators for Rivers local government areas, RSIEC chairperson
Lazarus Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbgudiogha, Joyce Akaninwor, Olive Brue, and Chidi Halliday were appointed as RSIEC members.
Rights
Gulf of Mexico: Trump administration ordered to restore AP’s media access
“Today’s ruling affirms the fundamental right of the press and public to speak freely without government retaliation,” Lauren Easton, a spokesman for AP, said.
