Nigeria urged to take ownership of health sector funding
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said Nigeria must take ownership of its health sector development by diversifying funding sources.
Salako spoke in Abuja at the 9th Annual Health Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ), themed, “Domestic Resource Mobilisation in the Face of Dwindling Foreign Grants and Aid.”
He stated, “It is not going to be easy, but it is a necessary step towards achieving sustainable health outcomes”.
Salako noted the timeliness of the theme, given Nigeria’s dependence on external health funding.
“For instance, the U.S. government’s PEPFAR initiative has pumped in more than six billion dollars since 2004,” he said.
He noted that the funding was not guaranteed forever, adding that the reality was that foreign grants and aid could be unpredictable and often come with strings attached.
“That’s why it is crucial for Nigeria to focus on domestic resource mobilisation.
“This means exploring alternative funding sources, like increasing health sector budget allocations, implementing health insurance schemes, and encouraging private sector investment in healthcare,” he added.
According to Salako, diversifying funding sources allows Nigeria to reduce reliance on external aid while taking ownership of health sector development.
“The support from international partners is undeniable, with countries like the UK, EU, and Japan investing significantly.
“The World Bank also provides concessional financing to strengthen health systems,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s counterpart funding arrangements.
“For instance, co-financing obligations for GAVI-supported immunisation programmes rose from eight million dollars in 2017 to 57 million dollars in 2023.
“The government also provides 20 er cent counterpart funding for Global Fund grants, translating to over 100 million dollars in the current grant cycle.”
In his welcome address, ANHeJ President Mr Joseph Kadiri, said Nigeria’s health system stood at a critical crossroads amid declining global foreign aid, exposing systemic vulnerabilities.
Kadiri said, “There is an urgent need to chart a new course, one that is sustainable, self-reliant, and aligned with our national development priorities.”
He noted, “As health journalists, you have always been at the forefront of advocating for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and equity in healthcare.
“Your role in shaping public opinion has been invaluable,” he said.
He wondered how we could sustain the gains made in health over the years and ensure our health system was resilient yet responsive to our people, emphasising that the answers lied in domestic resource mobilisation.
“It is imperative to explore innovative and sustainable ways to finance our health sector, including increasing government budget allocations and encouraging private sector participation.
“It also requires that we prioritise health in our national budget and ensure that funds allocated are used efficiently and effectively.
“This is not just a challenge, but an opportunity to redefine our health system, make it more responsive, and ensure no one is left behind.
“As we gather here today, we are shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria.”he said.(https//newsatlarge.ng)