Launch of the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria

Launch of the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria

24-25 July 2017
Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja

Overview

In line with Target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals on Universal Health Coverage and with current efforts to move Nigeria towards Universal Health Coverage, the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, with support from HFG and development partners in Nigeria, convenes the first ever summit on the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

The network is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and seeks to bring together legislators from the thirty-six states of the Federation – Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly, House Clerks, Chairs of Health and Appropriation – for learning, knowledge and experience sharing on a wide variety of health issues as they relate to the legislature.

The launch of the network is set for the 24th and 25th of July 2017 at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. The launch of the network is expected to set the tone for more inclusive legislative interactions (at national and sub-national levels) on health legislation, and enhanced legislative roles for the advancement of a legislative agenda to achieve UHC in Nigeria.

The overall objective of the Legislative Network on UHC is to effectively leverage statutory functions of the legislature in Nigeria for improved health financing towards UHC. The following are the specific objectives of the network:

  • To achieve improved appropriation to the health sector by deepening the knowledge of lawmakers on economic, social, health and political benefits of improved funding  towards UHC;
  • To ensure prompt and adequate release of allocated funds by working with lawmakers to hold relevant central budget agencies accountable for fund releases;
  • To ensure the timely passage of relevant high quality health laws, especially the legal framework of State Supported Health Insurance Schemes (SSHIS);
  • To leverage oversight and accountability functions of lawmakers to assess and improve the quality and efficiency of implemented health projects irrespective of their funding sources;
  • To gauge citizen satisfaction on health service delivery and the performance of specific heath schemes;
  • To enhance sustained learning among lawmakers across states, and between state lawmakers and their federal counterparts.

 

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