Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for innovative and sustainable health financing mechanisms to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, she emphasized the need for efficient resource mobilization and utilization to ensure universal access to essential medical services across the continent.
Her remarks came during a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, convened by Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The meeting brought together African leaders, donor agencies, and funding partners to explore homegrown solutions to Africa’s healthcare challenges, particularly in light of funding uncertainties following recent U.S. policy shifts. In a statement signed by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu stressed that Africa’s economic growth and social stability depend on a strong healthcare system, urging nations to prioritize local funding mechanisms over reliance on foreign aid.
“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, although helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable. Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances,” she stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s position, the First Lady reiterated that a healthy continent is a wealthy continent, calling for decisive action in bridging healthcare funding gaps. She urged African governments to uphold their commitments under the Abuja Declaration, which mandates allocating at least 15 percent of national budgets to healthcare. Additionally, she advocated for the expansion of health insurance coverage, the establishment of health endowment funds, and investments from the African diaspora as viable funding alternatives.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, Tinubu also underscored the role of African First Ladies in mobilizing resources through government engagement, private sector collaboration, and international partnerships. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting policies that promote access to quality healthcare for all, especially vulnerable populations.
The high-level discussions featured participation from leaders of Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados, alongside representatives from donor agencies and global health partners. A consensus emerged on the urgent need for Africa to look inward in addressing its healthcare challenges through investment in local research, medical technology, and human resources. The leaders also stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in any new financing models to ensure effective utilization of funds.
The meeting, held at a pivotal moment for Africa’s healthcare landscape, signaled a renewed commitment to self-reliance and sustainability in health financing. With evolving global financial dynamics and growing funding gaps, Nigeria and other African nations are pushing for innovative, homegrown solutions to safeguard the future of healthcare on the continent.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday ahead of the AU Summit, which is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 18, 2025.
