Federal Gov’t Endorses Theme Ahead of 66th National Council on Health in Calabar
By Ebi COLLINS
Momentum is building as the Federal Government has approved the theme and sub-themes for the 66th National Council on Health (NCH), set to hold for the first time in Calabar, Cross River State, from November 17 to 21, 2025.
Announcing the development to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, described the approval as a major milestone in the state’s preparation to host Nigeria’s highest policy-making body on health.
Dr. Ayuk said the endorsement followed productive engagements with Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Federal Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, who conveyed the official approval on behalf of the Ministry.
According to him, the approved theme for the 2025 Council is “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience and Innovation.” He further revealed that the sub-themes would explore critical areas such as sustainable health financing and domestic resource mobilization, health workforce development and retention, as well as data-driven decision-making through technology and digitalization.
“The theme captures the national aspiration for a fair, resilient, and innovative health system that leaves no one behind,” Dr. Ayuk said. “We are determined to make this year’s Council one of the most impactful in recent times.”
The Commissioner added that the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, has commenced early preparations to ensure a seamless, world-class hosting experience befitting of Calabar’s reputation as a leading conference destination.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, development partners, and other key stakeholders to deliver a successful and outcome-oriented conference.
The National Council on Health is Nigeria’s apex health policy platform, bringing together the Minister of Health, all State Commissioners for Health, heads of national health agencies, and development partners. The Council meets annually to review policies, address emerging challenges, and adopt resolutions that shape the implementation of health programmes across the country.
