Nigeria, Canada Deepen Partnership On Health Workforce, Digital Innovation
Nigeria and Canada Expand Health Sector Partnership
The Federal Government of Nigeria has bolstered its health sector partnership with Canada, focusing on collaborative efforts in health workforce development, sustainable financing, digital innovation, and resilient healthcare systems. This agreement followed a high-level meeting on Wednesday between Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. David Sproule, Chargé d’Affaires at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced the developments in a statement on its official X handle on Thursday. The meeting underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation, with an emphasis on strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and improving health delivery across the nation.
Prof. Pate emphasized the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at establishing a more resilient and self-sustaining health system. He noted that these reforms are intended to increase domestic health financing, reinforce national institutions, and reduce reliance on external support.
During the discussions, the minister outlined initiatives to expand training institutions for medical, nursing, and allied health professionals to meet the growing demand for skilled workers both domestically and internationally. Key topics also included collaboration on pre-service education, simulation laboratories, digital health, professional certification, and the local production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and biological products.
“Nigeria is building a stronger and more self-reliant health system anchored on national ownership, strategic investments, and partnerships that strengthen our institutions,” Prof. Pate stated. “We welcome collaborations that expand opportunities for our health workforce, build local capacity, and deliver better health outcomes for all Nigerians.”
The meeting further explored strategies to promote ethical health worker mobility and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to train and retain healthcare professionals.
In response, Sproule praised Nigeria’s health sector reforms and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the country’s healthcare ambitions. He expressed interest in deepening cooperation in health systems strengthening, human resources development, digital innovation, and primary healthcare.
Both countries agreed to identify tangible areas for collaboration in sustainable health financing, workforce development, local capacity building, innovation, and health security. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterated its dedication to fostering international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s health priorities and enhance access to equitable and quality healthcare for its citizens.
