Nigeria, Canada Deepen Partnership On Health Workforce, Digital Innovation

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.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed the outcome of the meeting in a statement shared on its official X handle on Thursday.

According to the ministry, the discussions focused on advancing bilateral cooperation while placing Nigeria’s health workforce and improved healthcare delivery at the centre of the partnership.

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

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

The minister also outlined efforts by the government to expand medical, nursing and allied health training institutions to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals both within Nigeria and internationally.

He said discussions with the Canadian delegation also covered collaboration in pre-service education, simulation laboratories, digital health, professional certification and the local production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and biological products.

According to Pate, “Nigeria is building a stronger and more self-reliant health system anchored on national ownership, strategic investments and partnerships that strengthen our institutions. We welcome collaborations that expand opportunities for our health workforce, build local capacity and deliver better health outcomes for all Nigerians.”

The ministry said the meeting also examined ways to promote ethical health worker mobility while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to train, retain and continuously develop healthcare professionals.

Speaking during the meeting, Sproule commended the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the health sector and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare priorities.

He said Canada was interested in expanding cooperation in health systems strengthening, human resources for health, digital innovation and primary healthcare.

According to the ministry, both countries agreed to deepen their longstanding health partnership by identifying practical areas of collaboration in sustainable health financing, workforce development, local capacity building, innovation and health security.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it remains committed to fostering international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s health priorities and improve access to quality, equitable and sustainable healthcare for Nigerians.