Africa CDC urges nations to replicate Nigeria’s evidence-based health overhaul

The Director General (DG) of Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Jean Kaseya, has said Nigeria’s reforms, from digital payroll systems to stronger coordination frameworks and a deliberate push to mobilise domestic resources, reflect a seriousness that remains rare on the continent.

According to him, the measures are reducing inefficiencies, limiting leakages, expanding private sector participation, and ultimately improving health coverage for citizens.

He argued that Nigeria’s progress, supported by available data, offers compelling lessons for African countries still heavily dependent on donor funding.

Kaseya, who spoke on Thursday at the ongoing 2025 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector in Abuja, themed ‘All hands, one mission: Bringing Nigeria’s health sector to light’, stressed that reducing high out-of-pocket spending must become a continental priority.

“Nigeria’s strategy points the way. You cannot tackle catastrophic health payments through donor aid.

“You do it by building strong national health insurance systems and investing in sustainable domestic financing,” the DG declared.

Kaseya also praised Nigeria’s renewed focus on local pharmaceutical production, describing private-sector actors such as Aliko Dangote as examples of homegrown investment needed to strengthen African health security.

He urged other nations to cultivate similar partnerships before seeking external support.

The DG commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and his team for driving reforms that have strengthened coordination and accountability.

He said Africa CDC’s recognition of Nigeria underscores its rising leadership role, noting that evidence-based reforms, political commitment, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the country’s health architecture.

Revealing that Africa CDC is now pushing major donors to align their support with national plans, in line with the Lusaka Agenda, the DG said Nigeria will be among the first countries where integrated health financing reforms will be closely monitored for continental learning.

He said he plans to invite health leaders from across Africa to observe Nigeria’s next joint review, arguing that the country’s experience offers valuable insight into how domestic reforms can reduce donor dependence and improve outcomes.

“When the Minister speaks, people may say he is defending his country. But when I speak as an independent observer, I want the world to understand that Nigeria is truly making progress,” he said.

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The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, in his inaugural address, said Nigeria is averting an estimated 18 million malaria cases annually as a result of intensified interventions under the National Malaria Eradication Programme.

According to him, the progress is largely due to the distribution of 63 million insecticide-treated nets between 2021 and 2023, with 70 per cent of households now owning at least one net, and half of pregnant women accessing preventive malaria therapy.

Citing the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Salako noted improvements in key health outcomes as maternal mortality declined from 576 to 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, under-five mortality dropped from 132 to 110 per 1,000 births, skilled birth attendance rose to 53 per cent, and full immunisation coverage reached 39 per cent.

He, however, warned that progress remains fragile due to low public health financing, weak infrastructure, and a severe workforce deficit, including a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:5,000, while noting that out-of-pocket spending remains high at 71 per cent, far from the Abuja Declaration target of 15 per cent government health spending.

Salako said reforms under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative aim to expand insurance coverage, strengthen primary healthcare, boost workforce retention, and scale digital and energy solutions. He urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts toward universal health coverage.