By Kingsley Agim
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Federal Government has approved the theme and sub-themes for the 66th National Council on Health (NCH), scheduled to hold, for the first time, in Calabar, Cross River State, from November 17 to 21, 2025, as preparations gather momentum for the hosting of Nigeria’s highest policy-making forum on health.
Announcing the development to newsmen in Abuja, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, stated that the approval followed productive deliberations with Dr Kamil Shoretire, Federal Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
He described the development as a significant milestone that sets the tone for a far-reaching national dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s health system.
According to Dr Ayuk, the approved theme for the 2025 Council is “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation.” He further disclosed that the sub-themes would focus on sustainable health financing and domestic resource mobilisation, health workforce development and retention strategies, as well as data for decision-making, leveraging technology and digitalisation to enhance service delivery.
Dr Ayuk expressed optimism that the upcoming Calabar meeting would be among the most impactful in recent times, noting that Cross River has already commenced early preparations to ensure a seamless and world-class hosting experience.
He reaffirmed that the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, remains fully committed to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to deliver a successful and outcome-driven conference.
The National Council on Health is Nigeria’s apex health policy body, comprising the Federal Minister of Health, all State Commissioners for Health, heads of key health agencies, and development partners. The Council meets annually to review policies, deliberate on emerging challenges, and adopt resolutions that guide the implementation of health programmes and shape the overall direction of the sector.
