Universal Health Coverage Day: A Call for Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare in Nigeria

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

As the world commemorates Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on December 12, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, a public health expert and Head of the Department of Standard Quality Assurance at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Bauchi State Office, has emphasized the significance of universal health coverage in ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians. In an interview, he highlighted the historical evolution of UHC and its growing importance as a global health priority.

Dr. Hassan traced the origins of UHC to Germany’s 1883 health insurance model, which mandated employers to provide health insurance for their workers. This model inspired the introduction of the National Health Insurance in the United Kingdom in 1911 and subsequently led to the establishment of the National Health Service in 1948. By the mid-20th century, the concept of UHC had gained traction globally and, by the 21st century, became a core component of international health agendas, particularly within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to Dr. Hassan, UHC is a global health initiative that ensures all individuals have access to a comprehensive range of quality healthcare services without financial hardship. It encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, ensuring healthcare is accessible to everyone whenever and wherever needed. He stressed that UHC is recognized as a fundamental human right, as enshrined in the World Health Organization (WHO) constitution, underscoring the belief that everyone should have access to essential healthcare services without financial barriers.

Dr. Hassan highlighted the broader benefits of UHC, particularly its role in reducing financial burdens on families. By discouraging out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures, UHC protects families from catastrophic health spending, which often pushes households with chronic ailments into poverty. Strengthening primary healthcare systems is another critical aspect of UHC, as it brings healthcare services closer to communities, improves maternal and child health, and reduces infant and maternal mortality rates.

In addition, UHC fosters community engagement by ensuring that local stakeholders and traditional leaders are integrated into healthcare planning and decision-making processes. This approach promotes accountability, improves service utilization, and addresses health disparities by tackling the social determinants of health. Furthermore, UHC has significant economic benefits, as investments in human capital through healthcare boost productivity, reduce poverty, and contribute to overall national development.

Dr. Hassan emphasized that achieving UHC in Nigeria requires strong government leadership and commitment. He noted that the Federal Ministry of Health is implementing a sector-wide approach, integrating primary healthcare services with national policies to ensure equitable access. He stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, effective budgeting, and robust policy implementation to achieve the health-related targets of SDGs 3 and 8 by 2030.

As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating Universal Health Coverage Day, Dr. Hassan called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, traditional leaders, and citizens, to play their roles in making UHC a reality. He described UHC as more than just a healthcare initiative, but a critical pathway to achieving social equity, economic growth, and sustainable national development.

This year’s theme for Universal Health Coverage Day focuses on the role of government in ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. As the country continues its efforts to achieve UHC, the initiative remains a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians seeking affordable and inclusive healthcare services.