The Federal Government and Canada have strengthened their health partnership to expand health workforce development, digital innovation and sustainable financing as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
The renewed collaboration followed a high-level meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, and Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, David Sproule, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to building a stronger and more resilient health system through strategic cooperation.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting on Thursday, Pate said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to placing Nigerians and the country’s health workforce at the centre of bilateral collaboration, while advancing reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
He explained that the Federal Government is implementing wide-ranging reforms to strengthen accountability across the health sector, increase domestic health financing, reinforce national health systems and reduce Nigeria’s long-term dependence on external assistance.
According to him, the country’s health transformation agenda is driven by national ownership, strategic investments and institutional reforms designed to deliver better health outcomes for citizens.
The minister highlighted the expansion of medical, nursing and allied health training institutions as part of efforts to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals within Nigeria and internationally.
He noted that increasing training capacity is critical to producing a larger, better-equipped health workforce capable of meeting present and future healthcare needs.
Recognising the longstanding professional ties between Nigeria and Canada, Pate stressed the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships that promote ethical health worker mobility while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to train, retain and continuously develop healthcare professionals.
He added that both countries explored opportunities for collaboration in pre-service education, simulation laboratories, digital health technologies, professional certification, and the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and biological products to enhance Nigeria’s health security and self-reliance.
“Nigeria is building a stronger and more self-reliant health system anchored on national ownership, strategic investments and partnerships that strengthen our institutions.
“We welcome collaborations that expand opportunities for our health workforce, build local capacity and deliver better health outcomes for all Nigerians,” Pate said.
Sproule commended the Federal Government’s ongoing health sector reforms and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health priorities through partnerships that promote national ownership, sustainable development and stronger institutions.
He expressed Canada’s interest in expanding cooperation in health systems strengthening, human resources for health, digital innovation and primary healthcare.
Both countries agreed to deepen their longstanding health partnership by pursuing practical areas of collaboration in sustainable health financing, workforce development, local capacity building, innovation and health security.
The partnership is expected to support Nigeria’s broader efforts to build a resilient, efficient and sustainable healthcare system capable of delivering quality services to citizens.
The Ministry said it remains committed to fostering strategic international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s health priorities and accelerate the delivery of equitable, quality and sustainable healthcare for all Nigerians.