FG Increases Health Budget Allocation By 52%, Commits To Strengthening Health Ties With Brazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through bold reforms and deeper international partnerships with Brazil’s health system emerging as a key model.
Speaking at the 2nd Nigeria Brazil Strategic Dialogue in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, laid out a comprehensive roadmap for revitalising Nigeria’s health sector.
The reforms, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, focus on effective governance, equitable service delivery, value chain development, and digital health security.
Salako said the administration had increased health budget allocation by 52% over two years, launched 21 strategic policies, and is making major strides in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Key milestones include reaching 37 million people through primary healthcare services, expanding health insurance coverage by 15% in one year, and establishing 12 new tertiary hospitals.
The Minister highlighted the global recognition of Nigerian-made medicines, with two products recently prequalified by the World Health Organisation – a first for West and Central Africa.
Salako praised Brazil’s Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), which offers free healthcare to 70% of its population and has significantly reduced infant mortality. He noted Nigeria can learn from Brazil’s experience in generic drug policy, vaccine production, and community-based care models.
To cement collaboration, he proposed a Nigeria–Brazil Health Cooperation Framework and a Five-Year Joint Action Plan covering pharmaceutical production, disease research, training, and epidemiological surveillance.
Salako, called Nigeria’s NASENI-Troment Biotech Factory a shining example of homegrown innovation, and expressed hope that the dialogue and the recent visit by Brazil’s Vice President would formalise long-term partnerships.
“With shared vision and strong political will, this partnership can truly uplift the health and prosperity of our people,” he said.
