The Plateau State government on Monday confirmed its preparedness to host the 11th Plateau State Council on Health, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, August 19 to Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Jos, the state capital.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, outlined the key objectives and strategic areas of focus for the upcoming Council.
He emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening the state’s healthcare system and accelerating efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
According to the Health Commissioner “This year’s Council is themed Repositioning Plateau State Health Systems Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage’ It reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen regardless of location, gender, age, or socioeconomic status has access to quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services,” .
He further noted that the three-day event will center around three major sub-themes which is Strengthening Resilient and Inclusive Health Systems focused on building a robust health system capable of responding to public health emergencies like pandemics, while ensuring that vulnerable and underserved populations are not excluded.
” Dr Baamlong also added that the event would also center on improving access to essential Medicines to citizens “.
” We would be exploring strategies to ensure the availability, affordability, and rational use of quality assured medicines, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.”
” Also we would be enhancing maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Rural Areas”.
” We would be concentrating on reducing preventable maternal and child deaths by improving skilled birth attendance, and strengthening primary healthcare services.”
Dr. Baamlong explained that the Council will bring together key stakeholders from all 17 Local Government Areas, including senior officials from the Ministry of Health and its agencies, representatives from development partners, civil society organizations, academia, traditional rulers, and the private health sector.
He added that the event will include technical presentations, policy dialogues, breakout sessions, and the drafting of a final communique that will shape the direction of health policies in the state. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour and is expected to officially open the Council on Tuesday, August 19.
To ensure the smooth execution of the Council, five subcommittees have been set up to oversee various aspects of planning and implementation.
“The outcomes of this Council will influence the future of healthcare delivery in Plateau State. We count on the media to play its vital role in sharing accurate information and promoting public engagement before, during, and after the event.” he said
The Commissioner also expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor for his sustained support for the health sector and thanked both local and international partners for their continued collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes across the state.
Dr. Baamlong described the Council as a pivotal moment in the state’s healthcare reform efforts. “This is not just a meeting it is a defining opportunity to reposition our health sector and ensure that quality healthcare becomes a reality for every citizen of Plateau State,” he said.
