Bukola Afeni
The Federal government is being urged to develop, launch, and fund a comprehensive investment plan to ensure the successful implementation of the Every Newborn Action Plan.
The Coordinator of the African Health Budget Network, Dr. Aminu Magashi, stated this at the first quarterly congress of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists in Abuja (ANHEJ).
He added that the lack of a clear investment plan has been raised regarding the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP).
“We are calling on the Nigerian government to develop an investment plan for every action plan, ensuring that they are fully funded and implemented,” he said.
According to him, the ENAP action plan has 10 thematic areas, with the first focusing on policies and plans to create an enabling environment for maternal and newborn health.
The AHBN Coordinator urged the media to keep advocating for the timely release of funds, especially in the aspect of reduction of maternal mortality in the country.
Dr. Magashi also highlighted the importance of accountability in the health sector. He called on the Federal government to ensure the timely release of funds in the health sector.
“We need to ensure that at least 50% of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund is allocated to address critical health interventions in the country.
“We need proper accountability in the healthcare sector by delivering quality care for women and children in every part of the country.”
However, Dr. Magashi noted that there’s a weak capacity to implement national strategies at the state level, resulting in a lack of coordination and alignment between national and state governments.
