WHO Calls for Bigger Investment in Nigeria’s Health Sector

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Nigeria to raise its public health spending to at least 20 percent of total health expenditure.

WHO Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the National Health Financing Dialogue, themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.” He stressed that sustainable financing is the backbone of resilient health systems and vital to reducing out-of-pocket costs, protecting households, and strengthening prepayment and pooling mechanisms.

Janabi commended Nigeria’s recent reforms in the health sector, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the National Health Insurance Authority Act, and the expansion of state-level insurance schemes. He noted that with a population of over 223 million, how Nigeria funds healthcare is critical not only for its citizens’ well-being but also for Africa’s future, adding that healthier populations are more productive and resilient to shocks.

Also speaking at the event, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, emphasized the need for Africa to prioritize health security through effective use of resources. She praised Nigeria’s $1.7 billion approval for the HOPE Projects, aimed at strengthening governance, expanding primary healthcare, and enhancing service delivery nationwide, describing it as a bold and visionary step.