Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 16, 2024: In significant recognition of his commitment to healthcare improvement, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has been appointed the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.
This announcement follows his ambitious plans to train 120,000 frontline health workers within 16 months and double the number of primary health facilities nationwide over the next three years.
The official appointment, conveyed in a letter to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stems from the recommendation of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of Africa (CDC), led by Comorian President Azali Assoumani, the current Chairperson of the AU.
The Africa CDC specifically cited Tinubu’s initiatives, which include recognizing the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals. President Tinubu has doubled the enrollment capacity of accredited nursing and midwifery institutions to support the staffing of new facilities. He is also expanding primary healthcare access.
Nigeria’s president’s ambitious plan aims to double the number of primary health facilities from 8,800 to over 17,000, ensuring increased accessibility to essential healthcare services for communities across Nigeria.
The president is also promoting transparency and accountability by ensuring the effective functioning and financial integrity of these new facilities, President Tinubu has proposed establishing a paid volunteer youth force of social accountability officers, fostering community involvement and oversight.
Impressed by these endeavors, the African Union has identified President Tinubu as a “champion for this noble and actionable continental effort,” aiming to improve healthcare across Africa.
As part of his new role, President Tinubu is invited to address the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme under the theme “Impactful leadership in health: a whole government approach.” This event, scheduled for February 17th, 2024, at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, coincides with the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
President Tinubu’s appointment and upcoming address mark a significant moment for both Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare landscape.
His leadership and commitment to improving healthcare access and personnel are being recognized at the continental level, potentially paving the way for broader, collaborative efforts to address healthcare challenges across Africa.
