For years, Nigeria’s healthcare system has been plagued by chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and a critical shortage of medical personnel. AdvoKC's Promise Tracker NG initiative tracked a commitment of the 10th HoR to increase the health sector funding. The 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives had pledged to allocate a larger share of the national budget to the health sector, in line with the Abuja declaration that recommends a minimum of 15% of the national budget for health. However, the 2024 budget allocated only 5% to the health sector, and the proposed 2025 budget reduces this even further to 4.81%, raising concerns about the government's commitment to addressing pressing health issues. allocation. This was before the United States announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), knowing that our healthcare system was hanging by a thread.
When we launched our campaign, we took a multi-pronged approach, sending letters to key stakeholders, engaging the media through press releases, and organizing a high-level panel discussion to push for a stronger financial commitment to health. It was during this panel session that my eyes were truly opened to the realities of the situation. I had seen the warning signs before—overcrowded hospitals, insufficient medical supplies, preventable deaths—but hearing first-hand from experts and frontline workers made me realize how much I had overlooked. The scale of neglect and systemic failure was even deeper than I had imagined.
The Role of WHO in Nigeria’s Healthcare System
WHO has played an indispensable role in supporting Nigeria’s health sector. From coordinating responses to disease outbreaks like Ebola and cholera to funding immunisation programs and maternal healthcare, and even HIV support systems, the organization has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s public health infrastructure. One of its most notable contributions was in eradicating polio from Nigeria, a feat achieved through extensive vaccination campaigns and collaboration with local health authorities.
With Nigeria’s overreliance on international aid, WHO’s funding and expertise have been a critical lifeline. The US withdrawal from WHO threatens to disrupt these interventions, leaving countries like Nigeria to face even greater challenges in combating infectious diseases and improving healthcare access.
US Funding and WHO’s Impact
Historically, the United States contributed roughly 15% of WHO’s budget, funding programs that directly benefited countries like Nigeria. The withdrawal of these funds could jeopardise efforts to control diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Moreover, critical health programs that provide vaccines and support emergency responses may suffer significant setbacks.
As someone deeply involved in the campaign for increased healthcare funding, I can’t ignore the potential domino effect this withdrawal could have. If international health programs face financial cuts, Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system will be pushed further into crisis. This underscores the need for the government to step up its commitment to health sector funding rather than waiting for external aid to fill the gaps.
The Health Sector’s Vulnerability
Nigeria's budget allocation every year still falls far below the 15% health budget allocation target set by the Abuja Declaration in 2001, grossly inadequate to meet the growing healthcare demands of our population. This lack of investment has left hospitals understaffed, medical facilities under-equipped, and millions of Nigerians without access to quality healthcare.
Our campaign aimed to change this narrative, but the US withdrawal from WHO has made our mission even more urgent. The reality is that Nigeria cannot afford to remain dependent on international assistance for healthcare delivery. It must take ownership of its healthcare system by significantly increasing its domestic investment in the sector.
The uncertainty created by the US withdrawal from WHO should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian policymakers. It is imperative that the government allocates at least 15% of the national budget to health, as originally agreed upon in the Abuja Declaration.
Through our campaign, we have been unwavering in our pursuit of increased funding for the health sector. We firmly believe that a more substantial budgetary allocation is essential for the government to effectively address the pressing healthcare needs of our nation. By doing so, the government will be able to strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure by constructing and equipping more hospitals, particularly in rural areas where access to quality medical care is often limited.
Furthermore, increased funding will enable the government to address the acute shortage of medical professionals by recruiting, training, and retaining more healthcare workers. This will not only improve the quality of care but also ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment. Additionally, a larger budget will allow the government to invest in research and development, enhance disease surveillance and response capabilities, and support preventive healthcare initiatives such as vaccination campaigns and public health education.
The Bigger Picture
Global health systems are interconnected, and the weakening of one part of the system can have widespread consequences. The US withdrawal from WHO is a stark reminder that Nigeria cannot afford to remain complacent. We must act now to build a resilient healthcare system that can withstand both internal and external shocks.
Our advocacy efforts have made progress, but there is still much work to be done. The onus is on Nigeria’s leaders to prioritise health as a national security and development issue. We at AdvoKC Foundation will continue to push for this, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the quality healthcare they deserve. Let the lessons from this crisis fuel a renewed commitment to invest in our healthcare system—not just as a reaction to global events, but as a long-term strategy for national well-being.