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The World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria, has called on the Nigerian government to allocate more public expenditure toward healthcare, aiming to achieve a benchmark investment of US$6 per capita.
Dr Walter Kazadi, WHO Country Representative, Nigeria, said at a strategic legislative health retreat, stressed the pivotal role of legislators in appropriating funds, passing bills, and ensuring their effective implementation.
Kazadi stressed the importance of leveraging their unique functions to improve health outcomes and alleviate poverty.
He, however, urged legislators to utilize their positions to establish health as a fundamental right for all Nigerians, reinforcing government responsibility and mutual accountability.
He also encouraged the documentation of best practices to serve as a reference point for other African countries.
While congratulating the incoming members of the 10th assembly, he emphasized the immense responsibility they carry as the people’s voice.
He highlighted the urgent need to focus on the health sector to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and address the issue of insecurity in the country.
He stressed that healthcare should be elevated in the Constitution and implemented as a commitment by authorities and legislatures.
Drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged legislators to consider health as a fundamental right, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to healthcare they need without facing financial hardships.
Head of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, said that the new administration needed to prioritize health and health financing generally in the country and charged the 10th National Assembly needs to mainstream health in the country, noting that health is wealth and education.
