Africa’s journey towards economic growth and social stability hinges on a strong healthcare system that ensures accessible and affordable medical services for all. First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, emphasized this at a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, hosted by Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the sidelines of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
She highlighted that the continent's prosperity depends largely on the well-being of its people and that, with shifting global policies—especially funding cuts from major donors like the United States—Africa must find sustainable, self-reliant solutions to healthcare financing.
A Call for Financial Independence in Healthcare
Sharing Nigeria’s perspective, Tinubu stressed the urgent need for a health system that guarantees quality services without imposing financial burdens.
“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, while helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable. Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances,” she stated.
Leveraging Local Resources for Sustainable Health Financing
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, Tinubu underscored the vital role First Ladies and other influential leaders can play in mobilizing resources for healthcare from governments, private sectors, and donor agencies.
“With the growing funding gap, I urge us all to commit to advocating for increased national health budgets.
“In line with the Abuja Declaration, our governments should allocate at least 15% of their budgetary allocations to health.
“We must also explore sustainable financing models, such as expanding health insurance coverage, creating health endowment funds, and encouraging investment from the African diaspora.
“Additionally, accountability and transparency must be prioritized to ensure that funds allocated to health are used efficiently and effectively,” she added.
African Leaders Unite for a Health-First Future
Presidents and Heads of State from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Barbados, as well as donor agencies and funding partners, echoed similar sentiments, calling for homegrown solutions to Africa’s healthcare challenges. These include investments in research, medicine production, medical technology, workforce development, and most importantly, sustainable funding strategies.
In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Friday, Senator Tinubu reinforced the importance of sustainable financing that ensures effective resource mobilization for long-term impact.
Africa’s future depends on its ability to take ownership of its healthcare financing. The time to act is now.
