Nigeria Unveils Bold Health Reforms At BRICS Meeting, Pledges Stronger Global Cooperation
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to global health equity and unveiled sweeping domestic reforms at the 15th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting, held at the historic Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia.
Representing the Federal Government, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, delivered Nigeria’s national statement, emphasising the urgent need for global solidarity in addressing mounting public health threats from pandemics and non-communicable diseases to antimicrobial resistance and climate-related health challenges.
“These issues demand stronger South-South cooperation and renewed global unity,” Dr. Salako stated. “Nigeria remains a proud BRICS partner and is committed to contributing fresh ideas to reshape global health.”
Dr. Salako spotlighted the ongoing implementation of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a core component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The initiative focuses on good governance, health system efficiency, local health industry development, and national health security.
He revealed Nigeria is ramping up domestic funding, revitalising primary healthcare, embracing digital tools, and scaling up pharmaceutical and diagnostics production.
A highlight of Nigeria’s recent achievements is its HPV vaccination campaign, with over 14 million girls aged 9–14 vaccinated the largest single-round campaign of its kind in the world.
To fill gaps left by declining foreign aid, Nigeria has allocated an additional $200 million in the 2025 budget to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Policies addressing non-communicable diseases and social health determinants are also being rolled out.
In a bold move, Nigeria announced it will host a high-level ministerial conference on antimicrobial resistance in Abuja in June 2026, while calling on BRICS nations to deepen collaboration on pharmaceutical innovation, phytomedicine, research, and academic exchanges.
“Our shared humanity demands joint action,” Dr. Salako concluded. “Together, we can drive progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 and ensure no one is left behind.”
The BRICS meeting, chaired by Brazil, brought together health leaders from across the bloc to chart a course for more resilient and equitable health systems globally
