FG distributes medical equipment, essential drugs to states across Nigeria

By Gabriel Justice

The Federal Government has distributes medical equipment, essential drugs to states today at the Prose Warehouse, Idu Industrial Area, Abuja.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of the Health has reaffirmed federal government commitment to the health of Nigerians.

He stated ‘I was honoured to flag off the distribution of medical equipment and essential drugs to states across Nigeria. This is more than an event; it is a promise kept under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as we continue to revitalise primary health care (PHC) within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Two years ago, Nigeria set ambitious targets, under the NHSRII, to reposition PHC as the foundation of our health system. That commitment is now taking shape. Through this intervention, all 36 states and the FCT will receive medical equipment and essential medicines, bringing care closer to our people.

For too long, PHCs were under-resourced, forcing mothers to travel long distances for delivery, children to miss vaccinations, and communities to lose confidence. That is changing. A woman in a rural community should not fear childbirth, children must access lifesaving vaccines, families must receive malaria treatment, and adults must find care for hypertension and other common illnesses close to home.

 PHC revitalisation goes beyond infrastructure. In the past year, 1,295 PHCs have been refurbished and 38 solar-powered to ensure reliability. We are equipping 500 priority facilities with a full complement of 56 types of essential equipment, including autoclaves, delivery beds, ultrasound machines and incubators, funded through over ₦9 billion in federal appropriations and donor support.

Alongside this, 80 categories of essential medicines, such as antimicrobials, antimalarials, antihypertensives, uterotonics, insulin and family planning commodities, are being distributed to every local government in Nigeria, representing an investment of more than ₦14 billion. These measures are transforming PHCs from under-utilised buildings into functional centres of care. We are equally investing in the workforce that sustains these centres. 69,106 frontline health workers have been trained, with 60,000 provided uniforms and kits in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady

States are also recruiting new staff. Kaduna has added 216 skilled birth attendants and 969 community health workers; Yobe has added 164 and 258 respectively, while other states are advancing recruitment. The MAMII Initiative has enrolled over 411,000 pregnant women across 21 states, with 30,000 receiving antenatal care, 9,000 transport vouchers, and 14,000 emergency obstetric interventions, including more than 4,500 life-saving caesarean sections. Nigerians are beginning to feel reform where it matters most, at the frontlines. This progress reflects the sector-wide approach in action, with, the regulators, tertiary institutions and state governments working in alignment with the Federal Government under the Compact signed with Mr President. It also demonstrates the leadership of Dr Muyi Aina, whose team has delivered this milestone with commitment and precision. We acknowledge the vital support of our partners, including  @gavi ; the @GlobalFund ;  @UNICEF ; @UNFPA; the @gatesfoundation ; and other philanthropic contributors, alongside private sector partners providing warehousing and logistics. Their contributions are reinforcing what is fundamentally a nationally-owned effort. Accountability remains paramount. Every item distributed is being tracked electronically, with oversight by the @icpcnigeria and relevant agencies to ensure resources reach intended beneficiaries. Our journey is underway, but much remains to be done. As we flag off this distribution, preparations are already advancing for the Measles Rubella campaign in October, which will reach more than 100 million children under 14 with vaccines and integrated interventions for nutrition and malaria. These efforts are clear evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real and that Nigeria’s health system is regaining the trust of its people.