Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate has said that the federal government has disbursed 45 billion Naira directly to states to strengthen primary healthcare facilities.

The minister stated this on Wednesday at Abuja's 2024 Joint Annual Health Review meeting.

He said that the 45 billion Naira disbursed to primary healthcare centres would directly impact communities, adding that over 8,000 centres have been equipped with financial and human resources.

Under the PHC 2.0 reform, we have emphasised equity by allocating financial and human resources across over 8,000 primary healthcare centres. Direct facility disbursements totalling 45 billion Naira have been sent to states, reaching our people directly," he said.

In partnership with states and development allies, Prof. Pate said that over 2,600 healthcare facilities are nearing revitalisation, and plans to upgrade an additional 2,000.

The minister unveiled efforts to strengthen the health workforce, reporting that over 40,000 frontline workers have already been trained, with a target of 120,000.

He also highlighted the progress in healthcare outcomes, including a 16.7 per cent reduction in under-five mortality since 2018 and a 40 per cent decrease in diarrheal diseases.

Prof Pate, however, pointed to areas needing urgent improvement, such as routine immunisation, maternal mortality, and malnutrition.

He called for collaboration across sectors and stronger investments from both federal and state levels. "The task ahead is enormous, but our collective resolve and genuine partnerships will build a healthier Nigeria."