FG Recomits to Citizen Health Care Amidst Global Funding Challenges
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the provision of adequate health care for its citizens amidst growing concern over changes in global health funding.
According to a statement by Ado Bako, Asst Director, Information and Public Relations, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance when the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Felix Costales Artieda led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja
At the meeting which aimed to brief the Nigerian government on health initiatives by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria’s health reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, focusing on the four pillars of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiatives
Key areas of discussion included – Reviving the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Spain particularly in the area of Technology transfer so as to unlock the healthcare value chain.
On the issue of obstetrics fistula and gynecology, the Minister highlighted that Nigeria has taken a bold step through the establishment of specialised institutions to focus on the challenge, providing free treatment, including social integration for identified cases
He pledged Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with Spain on initiatives that will contribute to a more active and robust heathcare system for the country
Speaking earlier on behalf of the delegation, the Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Mr. Anton Leis, enumerated multilateral initiatives made by the Agency in Nigeria, adding that it had also collaborated with UNFPA in the fight against female genital mutilation and polio
While applauding Nigeria’s model under its Sector Wide Approach, he announced partnerships with UNICEF and EU in promoting health efficiency, adding that £1.1million has already been contributed to boost the country’s medical products industry, among others
In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom recalled the long-standing cordial relationships existing between both countries
She assured that the Federal Government will continue to create an enabling environment for partnerships that will ensure robust healthcare system for its citizens
