Mirian Gom 
Vice President Shettima speaking at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Forum.
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria urges African nations to reduce reliance on foreign aid and build self-sufficient health systems, calling for a continental shift towards health security sovereignty.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call on Friday at a high-level side event on “Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty” during the 39th African Union Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa.
The event also marks the launch of the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Initiative, a joint effort between Nigeria and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, aimed at mobilising investment in health workforce development, immunisation, and community health systems.
“Our health security cannot remain subject to the uncertainties of distant supply chains or shifting global priorities,” Shettima says.
“There is dignity in endurance, but endurance is not a strategy.”
He says the COVID-19 pandemic exposes Africa’s vulnerability as many countries struggle to access vaccines, oxygen, and essential supplies while wealthier nations prioritise domestic needs.
Shettima outlines Nigeria’s reforms, including expanded health financing, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and regulatory strengthening through the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
He cites the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which secures over $2.2 billion to revitalise primary healthcare, train health workers, and expand insurance coverage.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya praises Nigeria’s leadership but warns of workforce shortages across the continent.
African health ministers and partners, including UNICEF and Gavi, endorse the initiative, calling for increased domestic health financing and deployment of two million community health workers by 2030.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah