WHO Urges Nigeria to Allocate 20% of Budget to Health
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Nigeria to increase public health spending to at least 20 percent of the national budget to strengthen its healthcare system. The appeal was made by WHO Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, on Thursday in Abuja during the National Health Financing Dialogue themed “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria.” Janabi described sustainable healthcare financing as the backbone of resilient health systems, stressing that higher investment would reduce out-of-pocket spending, protect households, and improve access to care through stronger prepayment and pooling mechanisms. “With over 223 million citizens, how Nigeria finances health is critical not just for its people but for Africa’s future. Healthier populations are more productive, more resilient to shocks, and better positioned to drive inclusive growth,” he said. Commending Nigeria’s health reforms, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the […]