NHIA expands healthcare access for vulnerable Nigerians

Nigeria's National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is actively working to broaden access to quality healthcare for its most vulnerable populations. The authority has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) not just by increasing insurance enrollment, but by building an equitable system that prioritizes those often left behind.

“

Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is not just about expanding health insurance coverage but building a system that protects the vulnerable, advances equity, and ensures no one is left behind.

Central to the NHIA's strategy is the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a key federal government initiative designed to bolster primary healthcare services. This fund, along with specialized programs, aims to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians can access essential health services without facing catastrophic financial burdens. The NHIA emphasizes that its interventions are specifically designed to reach individuals most susceptible to poor health outcomes and financial hardship.

“

Through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) continues to broaden access to essential care for vulnerable Nigerians across all 36 states and the FCT.

Beyond the BHCPF, the NHIA is implementing additional financing initiatives aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. These include programs targeting women at risk of maternal complications, newborns needing urgent care, and women living with obstetric fistula. Global Fund programs are also extending coverage to key populations, including individuals living with HIV and those affected by Tuberculosis. The NHIA's comprehensive approach underscores a dedication to expanding coverage, protecting households, and improving health outcomes across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“

Beyond BHCPF, NHIA is deepening its equity mandate through targeted financing programmes aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). These interventions are designed to reach those most at risk of poor health outcomes and financial hardship.