The Federal Government says it is strengthening primary healthcare delivery in more than 700 communities across Nigeria through the National Health Fellows Programme, which equips young Nigerians to address local health challenges.
Launched in 2025, the 12-month programme trains and deploys fellows to work with communities, improve healthcare facilities, promote disease prevention and expand access to essential health services.
In a statement the Technical Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare on Sector-wide Approach, Dr Ashiru Abubakar, said the programme was already producing practical results across the country.
Abubakar disclosed that the initiative had attracted more than 400,000 applications across two cohorts, with fellows implementing interventions tailored to the needs of their communities.
He cited a project in Gboko, Borno State, where a fellow is supporting the provision of solar-powered vaccine storage to address electricity challenges affecting vaccine preservation.
In Idumuje-Unor, Delta State, another fellow is working on a solar power intervention for a primary healthcare facility.
Similarly, in Iyame, Ondo State, a fellow is supporting efforts to revitalise a primary healthcare centre through community advocacy and the provision of essential medical equipment.
Abubakar said the interventions demonstrated how young Nigerians could apply their knowledge and skills to improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
One of the fellows, Abubakar Hamza, said the programme had strengthened his leadership, teamwork, community mobilisation and problem-solving skills, enabling him to develop practical solutions to local health challenges.
The Federal Government says the initiative will continue to mobilise young people to support community health development and strengthen primary healthcare services nationwide.
