Remi Tinubu Advocates for Sustainable Health Financing at AU Summit

First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emphasized the critical importance of a robust healthcare system for Africa’s economic and social progress. She made the statement during a High-Level meeting on Domestic Health Financing, which took place on the sidelines of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa. The meeting, organized by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brought together leaders from across the continent to discuss sustainable solutions for Africa’s healthcare challenges.

Senator Tinubu called for financing models that ensure the efficient mobilization and utilization of resources to achieve both short-term and long-term health goals. She argued that the future prosperity of Africa depends on the health of its people, noting that recent policy changes in the United States may exacerbate funding gaps for the continent. As a result, she urged African nations to look inward for sustainable solutions, emphasizing the need for a health system that provides access to quality services without burdening citizens financially.

“Africa cannot continue to rely solely on donor funding and foreign aid, which, although helpful, are often unpredictable and unsustainable,” she stated. “Instead, we must develop innovative financing strategies tailored to our unique challenges and circumstances.”

Senator Tinubu also highlighted the role of First Ladies in advocating for health funding. Drawing from her experience as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she underscored the potential for First Ladies to mobilize resources for health through government, the private sector, and donor agencies.

In her remarks, she called for increased national health budgets, urging governments to honor the Abuja Declaration, which commits African nations to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to healthcare. She also emphasized the importance of exploring alternative financing models, such as expanding health insurance, creating health endowment funds, and seeking investment from the African diaspora. Furthermore, she stressed that accountability and transparency in the management of health funds are essential to ensure they are used effectively.

The meeting also featured global and regional perspectives on domestic health financing, with leaders from countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Barbados, as well as representatives from donor agencies, participating in discussions. There was consensus that Africa must find homegrown solutions to its healthcare needs, focusing on research, technology, medication, improved healthcare manpower, and most importantly, funding.

The leaders agreed that strengthening healthcare systems across the continent is crucial for maintaining a productive and prosperous population, contributing to Africa’s overall development and achieving the global health agenda.