ABUJA – In a strong show of leadership at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to reforming domestic health financing as a cornerstone for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Speaking at an event titled “The Future of Domestic Financing”, co-hosted by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and global health partners, Dr. Salako declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration views sustainable healthcare investment as a national imperative.
“With 72% of healthcare expenses still coming from out-of-pocket spending, we are taking bold steps to change the narrative,” Salako stated. “President Tinubu has mandated the health ministry to implement wide-ranging reforms that guarantee sustainable and equitable financing for all Nigerians.”
He spotlighted major reforms including the implementation of the National Health Act (2014) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act (2022), while celebrating a 15% rise in health insurance coverage and the establishment of health insurance agencies across all 36 states and the FCT.
Dr. Salako also unveiled strategic steps to cushion the poor, including the Vulnerable Group Fund and a proposed Catastrophic Health Fund for life-threatening conditions like cancer and kidney failure.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Nigeria is pioneering innovative financing mechanisms such as levies on telecom services, sugary drinks, tobacco, and alcohol, alongside public health taxes and impact bonds.
He highlighted progress on grassroots financing, noting that economic reforms granting autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 LGAs have opened new funding channels for primary healthcare. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has been revamped for improved transparency and timeliness in fund disbursement.
“Nigeria is not only focused on raising more funds but also on spending smarter,” Dr. Salako said, referencing the adoption of bottom-up budgeting, digital health technologies, and advanced resource mapping systems.
In a landmark diplomatic effort, Dr. Salako announced that Nigeria sponsored and chaired negotiations on a global resolution calling for increased domestic health investment a measure backed by all 194 WHO member states and set to be formally adopted.
The resolution urges countries to systematically track national health expenditures and collaborate closely with WHO to enhance global health financing.
Capping off his address, Dr. Salako revealed that Nigeria has earmarked an additional $200 million in domestic funds to sustain critical health programs, including immunization, malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS.
“This significant investment shows our resolve to leave no one behind,” he said. “We call on global partners to join us in building a healthier and more equitable future.”