Korede Abdullah
The Federal government has said that the launch of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative has further accelerated progress in Healthcare infrastructure as the initiative has attracted investments to primary and tertiary healthcare, thereby unlocking the nation’s health sector value chain and paving the way for local manufacturing of drugs and medical devices.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammad Pate highlighted these achievements during the Ministerial Sectoral briefing in Abuja on the weekend, noting that the government has demonstrated its commitment to the sector by substantially increasing budgetary allocations to health for the first time in a long while.
He noted the increase in funding underscores the sector’s prioritization and signals a new era of investment in the nation’s health infrastructure. The Minister said that President Tinubu’s prioritization of health, proactive approach to addressing challenges, and determination to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) have earned him recognition as the African champion for human resources for health and community health delivery by the African Union (AU).
He further said that foreign direct investment (FDI) to the sector, which was previously unappealing to foreign investors and development partners had been made poss by the government’s bold initiative.
In furtherance of the initiative, an Executive Order has been finalized and is awaiting the President’s signature. He that it would streamline the importation of raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, reducing barriers and enabling the country to drive the market in Nigeria and the African continent, thereby reducing dependence on imports.
The minister noted that the signing of a strategic compact by President Tinubu, and the 36 States governors, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and development partners during the launch of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (SWAp) in December 2023 was a testimony to the government’s determination to drive meaningful change in the sector.
“At that event, our partners pledged $3 billion, reflecting their confidence in Mr. President’s agenda. Of this pledge we have signed $932 million grant with GFATM, $200 million with a philanthropic foundation and expecting additional $60 million in grants, $150 million announced by the Gavi Alliance, in addition to US$1 billion facility governed by MOU signed with Afreximbank.” the minister concluded.
