Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the development of sustainable health financing mechanisms to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems, ensuring that resources are mobilised and utilised efficiently. She made this call in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 38th African Union Summit, highlighting the critical link between economic growth, social stability, and a robust healthcare system that guarantees access to essential medical services for millions across the continent.
The First Lady’s remarks were made at a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, which was convened by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and brought together African leaders, donor agencies, and funding partners to discuss homegrown solutions to the continent’s healthcare challenges. The meeting also addressed the impending funding gaps exacerbated by recent U.S. policy changes.
“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, although helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable,” Tinubu stated. “Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances.”
In her address, she stressed that the future of Africa hinges on the health of its people, calling for increased domestic investment in healthcare. She urged African nations to bridge funding gaps by prioritising national health budgets and upholding commitments made under the Abuja Declaration, which mandates that at least 15% of national budgets be allocated to healthcare.
“A healthy continent is a wealthy continent,” Tinubu said. “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.”
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of exploring innovative financing models such as expanding health insurance coverage, establishing health endowment funds, and seeking investments from the African diaspora. She emphasized the role of African First Ladies in mobilising resources for healthcare through collaborations with governments, the private sector, and international partners.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, Tinubu reiterated the need for African nations to focus on local solutions, including investment in medical research, technology, and skilled manpower, to address healthcare challenges. “We must look inward,” she said, “and develop solutions that are suited to our specific needs and circumstances.”
The meeting, which also featured contributions from leaders of countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados, saw consensus on the urgent need for Africa to invest in sustainable healthcare financing. Discussions focused on ensuring accountability and transparency in new financing models to ensure that funds are effectively utilized.
The high-level gathering signals a renewed commitment to self-reliance and sustainability in Africa’s health financing, especially in light of shifting global financial dynamics. With significant funding gaps still affecting healthcare across the continent, Nigeria and other African nations are pushing for innovative, locally-driven solutions to secure the future of healthcare in Africa.
President Bola Tinubu, who arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday, is also attending the summit, which runs from February 14-18, 2025.
