NPHCDA Says Military Needed to Reach Children in Hard‑to‑Reach Regions

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has stated that in areas of Nigeria with weak security and limited access, it relies on the military to deliver essential health services. An agency official explained that while local leaders and community groups support healthcare delivery in many areas, the military is needed in the most insecure zones.

The agency said this approach is necessary because traditional healthcare delivery methods cannot reach regions affected by banditry, insurgency, or other security challenges. The presence of soldiers ensures that children, including the most vulnerable, can still receive vaccines and critical medical care.

In addition to security support, the NPHCDA is expanding the healthcare workforce by recruiting thousands of frontline and community-based health workers to improve coverage in underserved areas.

This strategy highlights the challenges of providing routine healthcare in conflict-affected or remote parts of the country while demonstrating the agency’s commitment to safeguarding children’s health regardless of circumstances.