Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is Nigeria’s apex government institution responsible for formulating and implementing policies to ensure a healthy nation through effective healthcare and humanitarian services. Its overarching mandate is to save lives, reduce physical and financial burdens, and promote health for all Nigerians.

The Ministry’s mission involves developing and implementing policies that strengthen the national health system, aiming for the effective, efficient, accessible, and affordable delivery of health services in collaboration with various stakeholders. This includes a strong focus on reducing morbidity and mortality from communicable and non-communicable diseases, meeting global targets for disease elimination, and significantly increasing the life expectancy and quality of life for Nigerians.

Key functions and responsibilities of the ministry include:

• Policy Formulation: Developing comprehensive policies, strategies, plans, and budgets for the health sector.
• Health System Strengthening: Working to improve healthcare infrastructure, human resources for health, and health information systems.
• Disease Prevention and Control: Implementing programs for health promotion, surveillance, prevention, and control of various diseases, from infectious to non-communicable ones.
• Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring quality standards in healthcare facilities, food, and drugs through bodies like NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
• Research and Development: Collaborating with research institutions to conduct studies that inform health policies and interventions.
• International Health Partnerships: Engaging with global health organizations and partners to leverage resources and expertise.
• Social Welfare Initiatives: Addressing aspects of social welfare that intersect with health, ensuring a holistic approach to citizen well-being.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare leads numerous initiatives and projects, such as strengthening primary healthcare, promoting local pharmaceutical production to reduce import dependence, enhancing health security through epidemic preparedness, and improving governance within the health sector. It operates through various specialized departments, including Family Health, Public Health, Hospital Services, and Food and Drugs Services, among others, to achieve its broad objectives.