Generally, 25% of Africa has continued to witness out-of-pocket health spending as hundreds of millions of people are pushed below the poverty line.
This ugly situation has called for urgent investment in the health sector to tackle the menace of poor healthcare services regionally.
He said the support from W.H.O. to the Nigerian government is to enhance the operationalization of the National Health Act and the National Health Insurance Act (2022).
Noting that Nigeria is among 55 countries on the W.H.O’s Health workers support and Safeguard list, with shortages of health workers which calls for support for health workforce development and health system strengthening.
“Similarly, WHO has been supporting the government across all levels to build the capacity of health workers to improve health resources and services provided in the country.
“Furthermore, WHO has continued to support the protracted humanitarian crisis in the northeast region of Nigeria since 2016.”
Dr. Walter also reeled out their commitment to Universal Health Coverage(UHC) in Nigeria, stressing that they aim to provide health for all, where people can have access to affordable, equitable, good quality, and sustainable health care.
“National health strategies should position primary health care as the entry point into a health system which not only treats ill health but also prevents illness and promotes good health.”
The 2023 World Health Workers Week theme is “Investing in the Health Work Force.” Aimed at reviewing progress and weaknesses and seeking better ways to achieve the United Nations 2030 agenda as part of SDG Goal 3 which focuses on health target 3.8.
