The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has advocated reform-driven investment in the health sector during the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers meeting, held Saturday, in Geneva, Switzerland,
A statement by the Federal Ministry of Health on its social media handle, said Dr. Salako, called for smarter and more sustainable health financing models across the Commonwealth
Speaking on the theme: “Investing in health: Sustainable financing for an equitable Commonwealth,” Dr. Salako emphasized the need for financing strategies that are value-driven, equity-focused, and align with primary healthcare revitalization, local manufacturing, and digital innovation.
“Nigeria believes smart spending is central to sustainable health financing,” he stated. “We must reorient systems to maximize value and equity particularly by strengthening primary health care and promoting local solutions.”
Dr. Salako highlighted major strides made under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, anchored under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a flagship of the Renewed Hope Agenda, now being implemented through a sector-wide approach.
This reform agenda is designed to increase domestic investment, improve population health outcomes, and boost national health security.
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Notable Achievements Shared by Nigeria:
1. Routine HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, reaching over 12 million with 71% coverage.
2. Revitalization of primary healthcare centres in partnership with state governments.
3. Expanded investment in tertiary health infrastructure nationwide.
4. Innovative financing initiatives to reduce the financial burden of cancer and chronic kidney disease.
5. Creation of the Social Action Fund to empower communities in health promotion and ownership.
Dr. Salako also spotlighted Nigeria’s commitment to healthcare industrialization, emphasizing growing self-sufficiency in local manufacturing of antiretroviral drugs, insecticide-treated nets, therapeutic foods, and vaccines.
He noted that the Nigeria digital health initiative is accelerating digital transformation across the health sector.
“This administration sees health as a fundamental human right. Through the NHSRII and SWAp, we are unlocking the healthcare value chain and improving equitable access to quality care,” he said.
“We urge the Commonwealth to remain united in our shared goal of equitable health for all. Nigeria stands ready to lead in sustainable financing and health innovation across member nations.”
The 37th CHMM convened health ministers and key stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to strengthen long-term investment strategies for resilient, equitable health systems.
