The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing healthcare services across the territory.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day 2025 Health Sector Joint Annual Review and Performance Dialogue held recently in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by Dr. Ahmadu Abubakar, Acting Director-General of the Health Management Board (HMB), and Acting Director of the Public Health Department of the FCTA, on behalf of Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES).
According to Fasawe, the review brought together government agencies, development partners, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to assess progress and challenges in line with the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
She noted that key achievements discussed during the review included improvements in maternal and child health indicators, expanded immunization coverage, a decline in HIV incidence, strengthened malaria response efforts, and increased enrollment in health insurance schemes.
Fasawe also disclosed that the FCT has established a Health Workforce Registry and developed a five-year Human Resource Recruitment Plan (2025–2029) to address workforce gaps in the sector.
Despite the progress, stakeholders identified several challenges, including inadequate human resources, limited funding, weak data reporting from private health facilities, and delays in passing essential health-related bills.
To address these issues, participants agreed on a number of resolutions, including:
- Full implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy.
- Creation of dedicated budget lines for key health programs.
- Passage of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) and PHERMRA establishment bills.
- Establishment of an infectious disease hospital.
- Revitalization of the FCT Molecular Laboratory.
Stakeholders also advocated for a minimum of 15% budgetary allocation to health, in line with the Abuja Declaration.
The communiqué was adopted and endorsed by all participants, including the Ona of Abaji.