Stakeholders Advocate Increased Funding to Improve Nigerian Healthcare!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Health stakeholders have called on federal, state, and local governments to increase investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector to address critical gaps in funding, infrastructure, and preparedness. The call was made during a high-level forum held in Abuja on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

What We Know:

• The event was organised by a coalition of health experts, civil society groups, and international partners.
• Key issues raised included poor nutrition, antimicrobial resistance, weak pandemic preparedness, and low funding for maternal and reproductive health.
• Stakeholders also stressed the importance of policy alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Quote:

“Nigeria’s healthcare system needs strategic investment, not just to save lives today, but to secure our health future,” — Dr. Uche Okafor, Public Health Expert

Why It Matters:

• Nigeria ranks low globally in life expectancy and health outcomes.
• Underfunding has weakened the public health system, with ripple effects on pandemic response, maternal care, and disease prevention.
• The call aligns with global efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

What to Watch:

• Federal government budgetary allocation for health in the 2026 fiscal year.
• Possible adoption of new public-private partnerships to close funding gaps.
• Legislative reforms on food safety, AMR (antimicrobial resistance), and health insurance coverage.

Sources:

1. Channels TV – “Health Stakeholders Seek Improved Funding, Stronger Systems”
2. Premium Times – “Experts Raise Alarm Over Antimicrobial Resistance in Nigeria”
3. WHO Nigeria – Health Systems Resilience Report, 2025

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