The 8th edition of Future of Health Conference has commenced in Abuja.
This year’s edition is hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch, a non-governmental organistion.
The theme of the conference is “The Political Economy of Health: Investing in the Future of Nigeria”.
Nigeria’s Health Watch Communications Director, Uche Nwagboso said the conference would provide a visible platform for critical stakeholders in healthcare, finance, politics, and other allied sectors to discuss factors influencing Nigeria’s health policies; how political, social, and economic factors shape individual and population health outcome.
The spokesperson added that the discus would also influence how to create a national health service that meets the needs of all Nigerians.
Experts at the eight edition of the future of health conference agree that health investments at all levels of government should be prioritized during this political season
This is to ensure continuity of policies and projects and an increase in funding for health care.
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Nwagboso said that the discourse would also ensure that health issue took prominence alongside economy, security, and other priority issues in the political discourse.
“The politicising of health has seen the increased involvement of political leaders in health affairs and has revealed the need for greater political will and commitment to drive lasting changes in the nation’s health agenda.
“Ultimately, we need to push health up the political agenda if we are to make any meaningful progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, (UHC),“she said.
“We need to create an avenue for discourse to ensure that our leaders and policy makers prioritise healthcare as a critical investment and catalyst for economic growth,’’ she said.
Nigeria still lags behind in the area of access and expenditure of health care and services compared to other neighboring African countries.
Speakers lined up for the event are experts, leaders of thought from the public and private sector, finance organisations, policymakers and influencers at state and national levels and other professionals in the industry.