7 Areas Nigeria, Canada Plan to Collaborate on Health Sector

Nigeria and Canada are set to deepen cooperation in seven key areas of the health sector, including workforce development, sustainable financing, digital innovation and local production of medicines, as both countries seek to strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve healthcare delivery.

According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in a statement shared on its official X handle on Thursday, August 6, the Federal Government has strengthened its health sector partnership with Canada, with both countries agreeing to expand collaboration on health workforce development, sustainable financing, digital innovation and resilient healthcare systems.

The development followed a high-level meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Chargé d’Affaires at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Mr. David Sproule, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Prof. Pate highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at building a more resilient, accountable and self-sustaining health system.

READ ALSO: ICYMI: Nigeria, Canada Deepen Partnership On Health Workforce, Digital Innovation

He said the reforms are designed to increase domestic health financing, strengthen national institutions and reduce dependence on external support.

Below are the seven key areas in which Nigeria and Canada are set to deepen cooperation in the health sector:

1. Health workforce development
Both countries will explore ways to strengthen the training, retention and continuous professional development of doctors, nurses and allied health workers.

2. Sustainable health financing
Nigeria and Canada will deepen cooperation on financing models aimed at reducing long-term dependence on external assistance and strengthening domestic health financing.

3. Digital health innovation
Digital health was identified as a key area of collaboration, with both sides exploring opportunities to use technology to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen health systems.

4. Medical and health education
The partnership will support pre-service education, simulation laboratories and professional certification as Nigeria expands training institutions for healthcare professionals.

5. Local production of medicines and diagnostics
Both countries will explore collaboration on the local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and biological products as part of Nigeria’s drive towards greater health security and self-reliance.

6. Primary healthcare and resilient health systems
Canada expressed interest in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen health systems and primary healthcare as part of broader reforms to improve health outcomes.

7. Ethical health worker mobility
The two countries will examine ways to support mutually beneficial movement of healthcare professionals while ensuring Nigeria can continue to train, retain and develop its health workforce.