In a bold move to make healthcare accessible to all, Taraba State officially inaugurated the Universal Health Coverage Forum at the weekend.
The initiative aims to ensure that no family is driven into poverty due to medical expenses.
The forum, organized by the Centre for Initiative Development (CFID), was led by its Founder and CEO, Dr. Danjuma Adda, who also serves as an advisory group member for the Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC2030, representing Africa.
Dr. Adda highlighted that globally, over 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty each year due to healthcare costs, while approximately 800 million people lack access to essential health services.
“The high costs of healthcare, especially for essential services and medicines, are a barrier for many families,” Dr. Adda said.
“No family should be driven into poverty due to medical expenses. We need to work together to create a health system that protects all residents of Taraba from financial hardship when they seek care.”
The UHC Forum is designed to serve as a platform for advocacy, sustained dialogue, and coordinated action to advance universal health coverage in the state.
During the launch, the forum unveiled a UHC Declaration, underscoring Taraba State’s commitment to equitable, inclusive, and responsive healthcare.
The declaration emphasizes strengthening primary healthcare, expanding financial protection, and ensuring health services meet the needs of all communities.
Dr. Adda also identified key challenges to healthcare access in Taraba State, including high out-of-pocket costs, long distances to facilities, poor transportation, weak referral systems, and unfavorable health worker attitudes.
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He called for laws and policies to protect citizens from unaffordable medical expenses and stressed the importance of prioritizing equity in health service delivery.
Representing the state government, Dr. Harmony Chufor, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, lauded the initiative as both timely and impactful.
“Healthcare should not be a privilege for the few, but a fundamental right for all,” she said.
“This forum is key to ensuring that no one, regardless of where they live or their economic status, is excluded from accessing affordable and quality healthcare services.”
The event saw participation from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Taraba, the state Health Service Management Board, the State Contributory Health Insurance Agency, and several civil society organizations, all pledging to support the forum’s goals.
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) also highlighted the critical role of women in advocating for health access, particularly for mothers and children.
The launch of the Taraba UHC Forum represents a new chapter in the state’s effort to address healthcare inequalities.
Through continued advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue, the forum aims to build a robust healthcare system that ensures no resident is left behind.
For the people of Taraba, the initiative offers renewed hope for a future where healthcare is inclusive, equitable, and financially accessible.
