FG to strengthen primary healthcare in 700 communities

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate

The Federal Government is strengthening primary healthcare delivery in more than 700 communities across Nigeria through the National Health Fellows Programme.

Launched in 2025, the 12-month fellowship trains and deploys young Nigerians to identify local health challenges and implement practical solutions. Fellows combine classroom training, mentorship and fieldwork to improve facilities, promote disease prevention and expand access to care.

In a statement on Thursday, the Technical Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare on Sector-wide Approach, Dr Ashiru Abubakar, said the Fellows’ work is already showing results

“We are pleased to see the impact Fellows are making in communities across Nigeria, translating their knowledge and skills into practical solutions to address public health challenges. From improving primary healthcare facilities to promoting disease prevention and health awareness, these interventions reflect the commitment of young Nigerians to creating meaningful change.

“With over 400,000 applications received across two cohorts, and interventions spanning over 700 communities, the National Health Fellows Programme continues to mobilise young Nigerians to address community health challenges and contribute to stronger primary healthcare delivery across the country.”

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According to him, across Nigeria, Fellows of the National Health Fellows Programme are translating their knowledge and skills into practical solutions, driving interventions tailored to the needs of their respective communities.

“These interventions include a project in Gboko, Borno State, where a Fellow is supporting the provision of solar-powered vaccine storage at a primary healthcare facility to help address electricity challenges that can affect vaccine preservation.

“In Idumuje-Unor, Delta State, another Fellow is driving a solar power intervention for a primary healthcare facility, while in Iyame Primary Health Center, Ondo State, a Fellow is working to revitalise a primary healthcare centre through community advocacy and essential medical equipment support,” he added.

One fellow, Abubakar Hamza, said the experience equipped him with leadership, community mobilisation, and problem-solving skills needed to improve healthcare delivery.

“During the National Health Fellows Programme, I learned valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, data management, and problem-solving skills, while developing practical solutions to improve healthcare delivery”, he said.