By Vera Anyagafu
The National Diaspora Day 2026 is set to focus on strengthening local health systems with the expertise of Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora.
The initiative with the theme “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” is expected to take place from July 20 – 26, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference, Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said that the initiative will leverage the expertise of Nigerian health professionals abroad to improve healthcare in underserved communities in the country.
It was noted at the conference that seven diaspora medical associations will be deployed to six regions, providing specialist clinical services, maternal and neonatal health, sickle cell screening, and capacity building.
The associations will include the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA-USA), the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD-Canada), and Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG-UK).
The outreach will focus on sustainable capacity building, hands-on mentorship, and health systems strengthening.
The initiative is expected to benefit communities in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Lagos, and other states.
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Health for their support, the NIDCOM boss called on Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora to continue contributing to the country’s healthcare development.
