By Mercy Gadia Adi
Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for the African Union’s (AU) ambitious plan to institutionalize and deploy 2 million Community Health Workers (CHWs) across Africa as a cornerstone for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this at the African CDC 2nd Taskforce Meeting of the Community Health Continental Coordination Mechanism (CCM) Principals, held on Tuesday at UNICEF Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Dr. Salako, who conveyed a message of solidarity from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, emphasized that CHWs are central to strengthening health security and building resilient systems on the continent.
He recalled the 2017 AU Assembly decision that urged member states to prioritize recruitment, training, and integration of CHWs, noting that Nigeria has already taken steps by hosting the validation of the 2024 community health landscape survey titled Shaping the CHW Strategy, Scorecard and Strategic Action.
The Minister said the survey, endorsed by AU member countries, provides a framework for institutionalization, governance, financing, and policy guidance for CHWs.
“Increasing investment in CHWs means investing in prevention, early detection, maternal and child health, and stronger systems capable of withstanding public health threats,” Dr. Salako said.
He added that governments must expand training facilities, professionalize CHWs, and create career progression pathways to ensure their full integration into health systems.
Dr. Salako also commended the AU Commission, Africa CDC, UNICEF, and other partners for their support, urging African countries to translate commitments into measurable results.
“The future of community health in Africa depends on our shared resolve, collaboration, and action,” he said.