The 2026 National Diaspora Day will spotlight a major health-focused intervention aimed at leveraging the expertise of Nigerians abroad to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
The programme, themed “Harnessing Global Diaspora Medical Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” is being coordinated by the in partnership with the and other key professional and regulatory bodies.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Ereawa, OON, said the initiative tagged Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 (DHII 2026), is designed to channel the expertise and global exposure of Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora toward improving healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
According to her, the intervention will run across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring nationwide reach and equitable distribution of services.
Under the initiative, teams of diaspora-based doctors, nurses, and specialists are expected to begin medical missions across selected states from July 20, with activities culminating in Abuja on July 25 and 26.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that beyond the billions of dollars Nigeria receives annually in remittances, diaspora professionals continue to contribute significantly through knowledge transfer, mentorship, and specialised medical services. She added that the 2026 programme provides a coordinated national framework to align these contributions with the country’s healthcare priorities.
The outreach will involve multiple international Nigerian medical associations deploying to different parts of the country. Their interventions will cover areas such as maternal and neonatal care, sickle cell screening, women’s health, and advanced clinical services including radiology, neurosurgery, echocardiography, and ultrasound.
The initiative will also emphasise capacity building and hands-on mentorship for local health workers as part of efforts to strengthen the health system sustainably.
Activities will commence with an official flag-off in Abuja during Diaspora Week, after which participating teams will move to their designated locations. All teams are expected to return to the capital on July 24 to present reports and impact assessments ahead of the grand finale of National Diaspora Day.
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