WHO Urges Nigeria To Boost Health Spending
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Nigeria to raise its public health expenditure to at least 20% of total health spending, warning that sustainable financing is the backbone of a resilient health system.
Speaking at the 4-Day National Health Financing Dialogue in Abuja, WHO Regional Director, Professor Mohammed Janabi, said higher investment would cut out-of-pocket costs, protect households and strengthen health insurance mechanisms.
He described Nigeria’s progress including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and state-level insurance schemes as encouraging steps.
Representing the Global Fund, Ms Maria Kirova highlighted ongoing support to Nigeria’s health sector through HIV, TB and malaria interventions, oxygen plant installations in over 60 facilities, supply chain upgrades, and digitalisation.
However, she warned that sustaining these reforms requires domestic commitment as external funding declines.
African Union Commissioner, Mrs Amma Twum-Amoah, urged Nigeria and other countries to honour the Abuja Declaration commitments of 15% national budget allocation to health, stressing that strong systems and regulatory frameworks are vital for health security and resilience.
The dialogue, themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria,” underscores the urgent need for greater domestic funding to secure equitable and sustainable healthcare.
