The Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has pointed out that Africa’s pursuit of progress, economic growth, and social stability are hinged on the development of a robust healthcare system that ensures access to essential medical services for millions across the continent.
According to a statement signed by the First Lady’s spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasised this at a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, convened by Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Tinubu underscored the urgency of sustainable healthcare financing that guarantees the efficient mobilisation and utilisation of resources for both immediate and long-term impact.
She stressed that a healthy population is crucial for a prosperous continent, particularly, in light of funding gaps arising from recent policy shifts in the United States.
Offering Nigeria’s perspective, she highlighted the importance of a healthcare system that provides quality services without imposing financial burdens on citizens.
“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, though beneficial, are often unpredictable and unsustainable. Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances,” she stated.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, Senator Tinubu pointed to the role First Ladies could play in mobilising resources from governments, the private sector, and donor agencies to strengthen healthcare funding.
She urged African leaders to prioritise health financing by increasing national health budgets, in line with the Abuja Declaration, which recommends allocating at least 15 percent of government budgets to healthcare.
Additionally, she advocated for sustainable financing models, including expanded health insurance coverage, health endowment funds, and investment from the African diaspora, while ensuring transparency and accountability in fund utilisation.
The meeting also featured insights from Presidents and Heads of State from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados, as well as donor agencies and funding partners.
They collectively emphasised the need for Africa to develop homegrown solutions to its healthcare challenges. Key areas highlighted included research, medication production, technology, workforce development, and sustainable funding mechanisms, all essential for maintaining a productive and prosperous population.
The High-Level Meeting, spearheaded by President Kagame, reinforced the urgency of securing reliable domestic health financing to drive Africa’s health and economic agenda forward.
