Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the need for sustainable health financing strategies to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems.
Speaking at a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, held on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tinubu highlighted the importance of efficient resource mobilization and utilization.
In a press statement released on Friday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady stressed that Africa’s economic growth and social stability are deeply tied to a robust healthcare system that ensures access to essential medical services for millions across the continent.
“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, although helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable,” Tinubu said. “Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances.”
Call for Increased Domestic Health Investment
Tinubu urged African governments to honor their commitments under the Abuja Declaration, which mandates allocating at least 15% of national budgets to healthcare. She emphasized the need for action to bridge the funding gaps in healthcare systems, particularly in light of recent global financial shifts, such as U.S. policy changes impacting aid.
“Given the increasing funding gap for health on the continent, I urge us all to come together and commit to advocating for increased national health budgets,” she said. “We must also support innovative financing mechanisms and explore sustainable models, such as expanding health insurance coverage, health endowment funds, and investments from the African diaspora.”
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, the First Lady also underscored the role of African First Ladies in mobilizing resources through collaboration with governments, private sector actors, and international partners.
Focus on Homegrown Solutions
The High-Level Meeting, convened by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brought together African leaders, donor agencies, and global health partners. Discussions centered on addressing the continent’s healthcare challenges through local solutions, including investments in medical research, technology, manpower development, and sustainable financing strategies.
Leaders from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados participated in the discussions. Consensus emerged on the urgency for Africa to reduce reliance on external aid and focus on self-reliant strategies that prioritize accountability and transparency in fund utilization.
The meeting also highlighted the need for African nations to leverage local resources and expertise, signaling a renewed commitment to self-reliance and sustainability in health financing.
The AU Summit, which began on February 14 and runs until February 18, marks a critical moment for discussions on the future of healthcare in Africa, with Nigeria and other nations advocating for innovative and homegrown solutions to secure the continent’s healthcare systems.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Ethiopia for the summit on Thursday.
