Nigeria has renewed calls for stronger citizen involvement in shaping health policies, as global leaders converge in Tokyo to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
At the High-Level Forum on Universal Health Coverage in Tokyo, Japan, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, emphasized that active citizen participation is central to Nigeria’s healthcare reforms.
Professor Pate shared the platform with World Bank President, Ajay Banga, who praised Nigeria’s focus on local manufacturing of medical products, describing it as a critical but often overlooked pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
According to him, boosting domestic production helps countries strengthen health systems, reduce costs, and improve access to essential medical supplies.
The forum also brought together Ministers of Health and Finance from across several continents, culminating in the signing of a global compact.
The agreement establishes a Knowledge Hub aimed at fostering collaboration between health and finance ministries worldwide, harmonizing policies, and accelerating progress toward universal access to quality healthcare.
