The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has reported measurable improvements in primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria, including the revitalisation of 3,504 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) between 2023 and September 2026.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, disclosed this in an Independence Day message to staff of the agency, partners and Nigerians, as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Aina said the progress recorded in the primary healthcare sector reflected the collective efforts of NPHCDA, its partners and other stakeholders to improve access to essential health services.
According to him, antenatal care (ANC) attendance and skilled birth deliveries recorded significant increases between 2023 and 2026.
He said ANC first-visit attendance increased by four per cent annually, while ANC fourth-visit attendance rose by 20 per cent and deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants increased by 17 per cent.
The NPHCDA chief added that maternal deaths declined by 17 per cent in the 172 priority Maternal and Newborn Mortality Intervention Initiative (MAMII) local government areas, while newborn deaths fell by 10 per cent.
He further disclosed that modern family planning utilisation increased from 15 per cent in the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to 18.3 per cent in the 2026 mini-DHS.
Utilisation of facilities supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) also increased to more than 45 million visits per quarter, he said.
Aina said the figures represented millions of women, children and families gaining improved access to essential healthcare services and gradually rebuilding confidence in the primary healthcare system.
He described the reported gains as a testament to the dedication of NPHCDA personnel and its partners, while urging them to sustain efforts towards improving healthcare delivery.
“As we celebrate our nation’s independence, let us renew our commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability, teamwork and service to humanity,” Aina said.
He said the agency’s priority was to consolidate the gains, address remaining gaps and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location or circumstance, could access quality, affordable and equitable healthcare through a trusted primary healthcare system.
