Nigeria's efforts to reform its health sector are coming under closer scrutiny, with stakeholders calling for greater focus on whether the changes are improving healthcare for Nigerians.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, says the reforms are designed to strengthen the health system, improve coordination and ensure better outcomes.

But health sector stakeholders say the success of these reforms will ultimately depend on what happens at the point of care. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023 to 2024 also shows continuing gaps in antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and childhood immunisation.

The United Nations Population Fund Country Representative in Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, says the progress Nigeria makes in strengthening its health system has implications far beyond its borders.

Stakeholders say tracking health reforms should go beyond policies and renovated facilities to examine whether people can actually access affordable, quality care and whether improvements in Nigeria's health outcomes can be sustained over time.