The World Health Organisation has advised Nigeria to allocate at least 20 per cent of its health expenditure to public health, warning that underinvestment continues to weaken the nation’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, September 4, WHO Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, stressed that sustainable funding was the “backbone of resilient health systems.”
He explained that stronger investments would reduce out-of-pocket spending, shield households from financial shocks, and improve prepayment and pooling mechanisms.
Janabi added that Nigeria’s size and influence in Africa made its health financing choices critical for the continent.
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“Healthier populations are more productive, more resilient to shocks, and better positioned to drive inclusive growth,” he said.
Also speaking, Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, African Union Commissioner for Health, said the continent must prioritise health security with the resources it already has.
She commended Nigeria’s approval of $1.7 billion for the HOPE Projects, describing it as “visionary” and a model for the rest of Africa.
Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed all government ministries and agencies to implement health insurance in line with the NHIA Act 2022.