The World Health Organization (WHO) has joined forces with the Nigerian government to introduce the National Health Fellows Program (NHFP) in a bid to enhance the health and well-being of Nigerians. This groundbreaking initiative, housed within the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to deploy dedicated health fellows to all 774 local government areas (LGAs) across the country. By bolstering healthcare services at the grassroots level, the NHFP aims to tackle systemic challenges and drive lasting change in Nigeria’s health sector.
In 2024, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu gave the green light for the NHFP as part of a broader strategy to cultivate a robust, innovative, and well-equipped healthcare workforce. The program will dispatch young professionals to each LGA to enhance health service delivery, improve policy coordination, and promote community engagement.
WHO has played a pivotal role in supporting the NHFP. President Tinubu commended the initiative’s bold vision and rigorous selection process during the program’s launch at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, instructed the SWAp Coordination Office to expedite recruitment efforts prior to the launch. WHO, as the lead health agency and technical partner, was tasked with overseeing the recruitment committees in Nigeria’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory to ensure transparency and adhere to global health standards.
The recruitment process was meticulous, with candidates from all 774 LGAs submitting applications online. A thorough pre-screening phase shortlisted the top three applicants per LGA based on specific criteria, followed by a state-level screening led by WHO staff to finalize the selection of fellows.
Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, lauded the Nigerian government for adopting innovative approaches to transform the health sector. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like the NHFP in accelerating progress toward universal health coverage in member states. Health fellow Raji Latefat from Ede Constituency, Osun State, expressed her eagerness to contribute to improving health services in her community after receiving training from government and WHO experts.
Dr Bello Ahmed, WHO Kaduna State Coordinator, highlighted the screening process in Kaduna State, where talented candidates were identified to enhance leadership and skills within Nigeria’s health sector. Once deployed, the fellows are expected to support state governments in implementing national and state-level health policies and improving the efficiency of health programs.
The NHFP is poised to bring about positive health outcomes across Nigeria by improving healthcare access, strengthening the health workforce, enhancing disease surveillance and response, and promoting community engagement and awareness. As the program progresses, it is expected to set a precedent for youth-driven healthcare transformation, leading to a more resilient and efficient health system in Nigeria.
Since its inception, the NHFP has generated optimism about the future of healthcare in Nigeria, with over 774 health fellows already deployed nationwide to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and strengthen local health systems. With WHO’s technical expertise and the Nigerian government’s leadership, the NHFP is well-equipped to address longstanding challenges and deliver tangible impact at the grassroots level.
The National Health Fellows Programme represents a crucial stride toward achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria. By empowering a new generation of health professionals to drive change, this initiative holds the promise of a healthier and more equitable future for all Nigerians.
