Nigerian Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has expressed concerns about the ongoing loss of trained health professionals to developed countries, which did not invest in their initial education.
This, according to Premium Times, he said, weakens health systems in developing countries like Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening plenary of the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Mr. Pate highlighted that half of the world’s population still experiences “health poverty,” lacking access to affordable basic healthcare, including immunization, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services.
Hundreds of Nigerian health workers migrate annually to more advanced countries, seeking better working conditions and a higher quality of life. Popular destinations include the UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. From 2015 to 2022, over 5,000 Nigerian medical doctors moved to the UK, with the numbers increasing yearly.
Mr. Pate pointed out that Nigeria’s medical education, highly subsidized like most of its tertiary education in public institutions, is not sufficiently supported by the government.
He emphasized the need to “re-examine the global health compact” and questioned whether the global health architecture is still fit for purpose.
“Even the significant progress made in addressing HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria is looking fragile,” he said, noting that “we must ask whether we have the political will to reform the global health system for a future of greater uncertainties.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its health system, Mr. Pate mentioned the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aiming to save lives, reduce pain, and provide health for all Nigerians.
He stated, “In Nigeria, we cannot ask the global community to do what we are not willing to do ourselves. We are taking responsibility and striving to rebuild our national health system.”
Nigeria is increasing domestic financing, expanding primary healthcare, improving financial protection for the poor and vulnerable, retraining frontline health workers, increasing training quotas, stimulating local production of commodities, and reinforcing public health capacities.
Mr. Pate called on international health partners to align with Nigeria’s priorities and support their national systems.
He also recommended continuing negotiations for a Pandemic Treaty and reviewing the International Health Regulations, aligning with the Common African Position until a fair agreement is reached.
Mr. Pate concluded by reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for global solidarity, political will, and addressing global inequities.
“We cannot solve injustices with more injustice,” he stated.
