Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria:  The Key Role of the Primary Health Care System

This Policy Brief draws from a NISER Study on Resurgence of High Infant Mortality Rates in Ogun State: Lessons for Reduction from Oyo State.

Primary health care, as conceptualized under the Alma Ata Declaration of 1978, is a grass-roots approach towards universal and equitable health care for all. It is the first level of contact of individuals, families and communities with the National health system bringing promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services very close to where people live and work, and constitutes the first element of the continuing healthcare process. Based on a NISER study, its strategic role in achieving universal healthcare as enshrined in SDG 3 is examined in this Policy Brief.