Overview

The National Child Health Policy (NCHP) of Nigeria, published in April 2022 by the Federal Ministry of Health, is a comprehensive document providing long-term directions for protecting and promoting the health of children aged 0-18 years, who constitute about half of the country's population. This revised edition updates the original 2006 policy to reflect new realities including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emerging health issues, epidemics/pandemics, Primary Health Care (PHC) reform under the 'Bringing PHC Under One Roof' (PHCUOR) initiative, and Nigeria's commitment to Universal Health Coverage. The policy also addresses globalization, climate change, insurgency challenges, and their impacts on child health. Guided by principles of justice, equity, and fairness, the policy outlines high-impact interventions, initiatives, and programs prioritized across different age and thematic categories. The foreword by Honourable Minister Dr Osagie Ehanire emphasizes the need for wide-scale implementation across sectors and calls on development partners, private sector, and advocates for support. The acknowledgement section credits the National Child Health Technical Working Group (NCHTWG), consultants Prof. Alice Nte and Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, and various stakeholders including FMoH departments, NPHCDA, NHIS, NAFDAC, state ministries, development partners like UNICEF, WHO, Save the Children International, USAID-IHP, and Nigeria Lafiya Project. The policy spans 50 pages and includes foreword, acknowledgement, table of contents, and detailed policy thrusts.

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