Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 14, 2025
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has underscored the need for a robust healthcare system as a fundamental pillar for Africa’s progress, economic growth, and social stability. She made this assertion during a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing in Africa, organized by Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu, who is a Global and National Stop Tuberculosis Champion, called for increased national health budgets and innovative financing strategies, stressing that Africa must move beyond dependency on donor funding and foreign aid.
“Africa cannot rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, although helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable,” she stated. Her advocacy aligns with the continent’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage and strengthening health systems to ensure access to essential healthcare services for millions of Africans.
The high-level meeting brought together Presidents and Heads of State from several nations, including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados. Also in attendance were key donor agencies and funding partners, who explored global and regional perspectives on domestic health financing and its role in advancing the global development agenda.
The discussions reinforced the importance of sustainable health investments as a catalyst for economic resilience and human capital development across the continent. Leaders emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and development partners to establish long-term financing mechanisms that prioritize Africa’s healthcare needs.
As Africa continues to navigate its healthcare challenges, Senator Tinubu’s call for self-sufficiency in health financing adds to the growing momentum for greater accountability and resource mobilization in the sector. Her advocacy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system and contributing to a healthier, more prosperous Africa.
