The Nigerian Government has reiterated her commitment to mobilize internal resources for health financing to ensure smooth transition without funding gaps, particularly immunization as Nigeria exits from the international financial assistance Programme.
In pursuant to this, “Nigeria is resolved to make Nigeria’s health sector an investment destination and encourage Public Private Partnership, improving strategic planning and budgeting, transparency and accountability, budget execution and performance, with focus on efficiency and results.
Addressing the plenary at the 71st WHA, the Hon Ministerof State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said that to buttress sustainability of the health system, the government of Nigeria is working with state governments to explore funding options tailored to the needs of the various population and their ability to augment budgetary allocations.
On response to emergencies,Dr. Ehanire said ‘Nigeria witnesses periodic disease outbreak, the latest being Lassa fever. We are continuously improving our response system to handle emergencies and challenges of public health concern and work with relevant agencies to meet global standards of preparedness with regard to prevention, detection and control of epidemics’
Furthermore, he said, ‘As we approach polio eradication certification status, we shall build on this legacy, invest in surveillance mechanisms and curb disease importation.’
He also noted the prompt response of WHO to the re-emergence of Ebola viral hemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
