Nigeria urgently needs over 122,000 primary healthcare workers
The Federal Government says Nigeria faces a severe shortage of primary healthcare workers, with 122,696 positions currently vacant across 26 states. Zaiyanatu Umar of the Sector-Wide Approach Coordination Office highlighted the staffing crisis during a ministerial oversight committee meeting in Abuja. The shortages are most acute in the South East, with significant gaps reported in other regions as well. Officials also discussed ongoing funding reforms and emergency medical interventions to address the challenges in the health sector.
What we know
- Zaiyanatu Umar revealed that 220,755 primary healthcare positions are needed, but only 98,059 are filled, leaving 122,696 vacancies.
- The South East has the largest workforce gap at 73%, with just 1.9 workers per 10,000 population in assessed facilities.
- The Federal Government estimates N4.55 billion is required over three years to recruit the needed health workers.
- Dr Emuren Doubra said N2.41 billion has been disbursed for emergency treatment interventions since 2023, benefiting over 130,000 patients.
- Dr Ibrahim Tajudeen noted that Nigeria’s Global Fund allocation was reduced for the latest grant cycle, prompting reforms to improve efficiency and strengthen health systems.
