The Federal Government has expressed concern over changes in global health funding, stressing that Nigeria must take full responsibility for the health of its citizens.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known while receiving the Ambassador of Spain in Nigeria, His Excellency Felix Costales Artieda, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit in Abuja. The visit was aimed at briefing the Nigerian government on programmes undertaken by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, particularly in the health sector.
Salako emphasized that Nigeria cannot depend solely on external support for healthcare delivery. “We must take responsibility, and we must be in the driver’s seat for the health of our citizens,” he stated.
He highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, anchored on four pillars as part of a transformation agenda. The Minister noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to revisit the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, with emphasis on technology transfer and local manufacturing under the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
Salako also pointed to Nigeria’s efforts in obstetrics fistula and gynecology, citing the establishment of specialized institutions and provision of free treatment and social integration for affected individuals. He assured the Spanish delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral health partnerships.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Anton Leis, Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, outlined ongoing multilateral initiatives with UNFPA, UNICEF, and the EU, including campaigns against female genital mutilation, eradication of polio, and support for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. He disclosed that €1.1 million has so far been contributed to these efforts.
Leis commended Nigeria’s sector-wide approach to health reforms, describing it as “one plan, one budget, one important area,” which he said was fundamental to achieving efficiency and sustainability.
By Blessing Bature, Abuja
