Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the implementation of sustainable health financing strategies that ensure effective resource mobilization and utilization to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa.
Speaking at the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Senator Tinubu emphasized that Africa’s economic growth and social stability are closely tied to a strong healthcare system that guarantees access to essential medical services for millions of people on the continent.
This statement was released by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, on Friday.
Sustainable Health Financing for Africa’s Future
During a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, the First Lady stressed the urgent need for African countries to shift away from heavy reliance on donor funding and foreign aid, which are often unpredictable and unsustainable. She advocated for the development of innovative and sustainable financing strategies that address Africa’s unique challenges.
The meeting, convened by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brought together African leaders, donor agencies, and international partners to explore homegrown solutions to Africa’s healthcare challenges, especially in light of potential funding gaps resulting from recent policy changes in the U.S.
Increased Domestic Investment in African Healthcare
Senator Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to improving health financing and called for greater investment in national health budgets. She urged African governments to meet the commitments made under the Abuja Declaration, which mandates that at least 15% of national budgets be allocated to healthcare.
She stated, “A healthy continent is a wealthy continent. We must come together to close the healthcare funding gaps and support innovative financing mechanisms, such as expanding health insurance coverage, health endowment funds, and attracting investments from the African diaspora.”
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, Senator Tinubu also stressed the role of African First Ladies in mobilizing resources for healthcare through government engagement, private sector collaboration, and international partnerships.
Africa’s Path to Self-Reliance in Healthcare
The High-Level Meeting featured leaders from countries including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados, as well as representatives from donor agencies and global health partners. A key takeaway was the need for Africa to look inward and prioritize investments in local research, medical technology, improved healthcare manpower, and sustainable financing strategies.
The consensus was that any new financing models must prioritize “accountability and transparency” to ensure that funds are used efficiently.
The meeting underscored a renewed commitment to achieving “self-reliance and sustainability in health financing,” with African nations, including Nigeria, driving efforts to find innovative, locally driven solutions to secure the future of healthcare on the continent.
Focus on Sustainable Health Funding
As Africa faces mounting healthcare challenges and evolving global financial dynamics, the need for homegrown solutions becomes more critical. Senator Tinubu’s call for sustainable health financing is a crucial step towards ensuring Africa’s long-term healthcare stability and economic prosperity.
The ongoing 38th African Union Summit, which runs from February 14–18, 2025, continues to be a key platform for leaders to discuss and shape Africa’s healthcare future.
For more updates, stay tuned to the latest news on the African Union Summit and its initiatives on health financing.
