In a bold move to deliver healthcare to Nigeria’s most underserved populations, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has inaugurated the management committee for the Renewed Hope Health Connect (RHHC) initiative—a nationwide medical outreach programme targeting vulnerable communities across 55 senatorial districts.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who presided over the inauguration in Abuja, said the initiative reaffirms the Federal Government’s resolve to advance health equity through direct interventions in hard-to-reach areas.
“Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in many parts of our country, especially in rural and underserved communities,” Dr. Salako noted. “These areas often lack adequate infrastructure, skilled personnel, and essential medical supplies, leading to high maternal and child mortality rates and poor health outcomes.”
Dr. Salako revealed that the RHHC programme has been captured in the 2025 national budget, signaling strong government backing. According to him, medical outreaches have consistently proven to be effective in delivering essential services to vulnerable populations, particularly where conventional health facilities are limited or absent.
The RHHC Management Committee, which Dr. Salako chairs, includes Directors from strategic departments, officials from the Office of the Coordinating Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the National Eye Health Programme. Also serving are the Minister’s Senior Technical Assistant and Technical Assistant, with Dr. Charles Nzelu, Director of Special Duties, appointed as Secretary.
The committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR) include coordinating the outreach in collaboration with consultants and implementing firms; promoting equitable distribution of services and supplies; and strengthening partnerships with health agencies, NGOs, and community leaders. It will also be responsible for designing constituency-specific action plans with clear timelines and ensuring efficient logistics and procurement processes.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment, Dr. Salako said RHHC represents a “vital step in ensuring no Nigerian is left behind” as the country pursues its national healthcare transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope vision.
