10,000 Nigerians benefit from 2026 diaspora health initiative, Official

Nearly 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from specialist medical services and surgeries under the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Health Impact Initiative, the federal government announced Saturday. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed the figures at the National Diaspora Merit Award Dinner in Abuja, highlighting the initiative's success in bringing Nigerian healthcare professionals from abroad back to the country.

These diaspora professionals, hailing from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, and South Africa, voluntarily provided services, conducted surgeries, mentored local healthcare workers, and supported health systems. Salako lauded the program as a demonstration of patriotism and a practical way to leverage diaspora expertise for improved healthcare delivery across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

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The initiative brought together thousands of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora who voluntarily returned to the country to provide specialist medical services, conduct surgeries, mentor healthcare workers and support local health systems.

The initiative offered a range of interventions, including medical consultations, specialist surgeries, diagnostic services, and telemedicine. Notably, over 2,000 frontline healthcare workers received training, enhancing local capacity. Specific achievements included training over 1,000 health workers on the Safer Births Bundle of Care in Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto states, performing over 500 surgeries in Enugu, Imo, and Abia states, and conducting advanced procedures like neurosurgery in Lagos. Healthcare workers in Edo State were trained on ultrasound diagnostics for endometriosis, while telemedicine and primary healthcare services were expanded in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.

Looking ahead, the federal government intends to strengthen its engagement with Nigerian health professionals abroad. Plans include simplifying licensing procedures, facilitating locum arrangements, and offering customs and visa waivers for medical missions. The government also aims to encourage diaspora investment in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Salako acknowledged the global migration of Nigerian health professionals but stressed that the current administration is implementing reforms to improve healthcare financing, infrastructure, workforce welfare, and professional development.

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The federal government would continue to strengthen engagement with Nigerian health professionals abroad by simplifying licensing procedures, facilitating locum arrangements and supporting customs and visa waivers for medical missions.