(DDM) – Traditional and religious leaders across Nigeria have officially endorsed the “Aso Rock Declaration on Health 2026,” signaling unified support to strengthen the nation’s health sector.
The declaration was unveiled in Abuja during the inaugural National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Asaba Villa. President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, convened the summit to galvanize community leadership in national health development.
The summit brought together leaders of diverse faiths, traditional rulers, and representatives from federal, state, and local governments, as well as civil society organizations and development partners. The gathering focused on reviewing the state of Nigeria’s health sector and exploring ways community leaders can enhance service delivery.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, described the event as historic, providing a platform to evaluate health investments, primary health care expansion, emergency obstetric services, nutrition, water and sanitation, and hospital infrastructure. He emphasized that collaboration with traditional and religious leaders is critical to building public trust and ensuring equitable health outcomes nationwide.
The declaration outlines commitments to support comprehensive reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services, including immunization, HIV, TB, malaria control, emergency obstetric care, and nutrition programs at community levels. It further aims to empower frontline and national health workers, promote primary health facility utilization and accreditation, and encourage community-level monitoring of services.
Additionally, the declaration calls for multisectoral collaboration to address social determinants of health, such as nutrition, clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and education of the girl child. Religious health facilities are to be integrated into local health systems, expanding access to quality care. Leaders are also encouraged to foster community participation in disease reporting, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response.
Prof. Pate highlighted that the declaration supports domestic resource mobilization, including expanding health insurance schemes, climate-resilient health practices, and sustainable environmental strategies. He further recommended the institutionalization of the summit on an annual basis to review progress, renew commitments, and sustain momentum in building a healthier Nigeria.
The Aso Rock Declaration aligns with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched by President Tinubu in December 2023, as well as subsequent health compacts in 2024 and 2025. It underscores a political and social commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving national health indicators.
“Through this declaration, we affirm our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” Prof. Pate said. “It provides a roadmap for inclusive, community-driven health action that leaves no one behind.”
The summit represents a milestone in national health governance, demonstrating how collaboration between government, traditional authorities, religious institutions, and citizens can drive sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.
