By Fatima Saka
The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has praised Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms, describing them as a benchmark for African nations seeking stronger healthcare financing systems and improved service delivery.
Speaking on the second day of the 2025 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector in Abuja, the Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, announced that Nigeria had been selected as a pilot country for integrated health financing under the G20 partnership.
He said the choice reflects growing global recognition of Nigeria’s progress and its expanding leadership in health sector transformation.
Dr. Kaseya highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), comprehensive stakeholder compacts, and increased private sector participation—reforms that, he noted, have boosted efficiency, expanded domestic resource mobilization, and widened access to essential healthcare services.
According to him, Nigeria’s model showcases how evidence-driven policymaking, sustained political commitment, and strategic partnerships can accelerate health system strengthening across the continent. “This is what Africa needs—countries taking charge, coordinating effectively, and prioritizing sustainability,” he stated.
He underscored the urgency of reducing Africa’s dependence on external funding, observing that more than 20 African countries currently rely on Official Development Assistance (ODA) for over 30 percent of their healthcare expenditure. “Reducing out-of-pocket health spending requires universal health coverage through national insurance systems, not reliance on donor aid,” Dr. Kaseya said, urging African leaders to emulate Nigeria’s approach.
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The Africa CDC chief also commended the private sector’s expanding contributions, citing Aliko Dangote’s investments in local pharmaceutical and health commodity production.
He further applauded the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for championing reforms that continue to reshape Nigeria’s health architecture.
Dr. Kaseya concluded that Nigeria’s rising profile in the global health space positions the country as a continental leader, especially as the G20 integrated financing initiative moves into implementation.
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