Nigeria Backs Smart Health Financing At Commonwealth Ministers Meeting
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has called on Commonwealth nations to embrace smart, sustainable health financing to ensure equitable care for all.
Speaking at the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr Salako urged a shift towards a bottom-up budgeting approach one that strengthens primary healthcare, boosts local manufacturing, embraces digital tools, and supports preventive services.
“Nigeria believes smart spending is central to sustainable health financing,” he said. “We must reorient systems to maximise value and equity.”
Highlighting the progress made under the Tinubu administration’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), Dr Salako listed achievements such as routine HPV vaccinations for over 12 million girls, revitalised primary care centres, and expanded infrastructure for tertiary health.
He also spotlighted Nigeria’s strides in local production of essential health commodities—from antiretrovirals to vaccines—through strengthened partnerships and digital transformation effort
Congratulating the newly appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chair of the meeting, Dr Salako reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to drive innovation and collaboration across member states.
“Nigeria stands ready to support sustainable financing and health innovation,” he said, as ministers gathered to chart a fairer, healthier future for the Commonwealth.
