By Edward Oseghe
Nigeria has renewed its call for urgent global action toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, strengthening primary healthcare systems, and ensuring the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in healthcare delivery at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
Representing Nigeria at the high-level global health gathering, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, stressed the need for accelerated efforts to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals, warning that millions of people worldwide still lack access to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Oshiomhole said Nigeria aligns with the position presented by the Democratic Republic of Congo on behalf of the African region, noting that the global health landscape remains under severe pressure despite years of interventions and reforms.
According to him, an estimated 4.5 billion people across the world still do not have access to essential health services, while the decline in official development assistance continues to place additional strain on healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries.
He said Nigeria is advocating stronger domestic healthcare financing, resilient people-centered health systems, and inclusive policies that guarantee equitable access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
The Commissioner emphasized that countries must sustain progress at the national level despite growing financial constraints across the global health sector.
Addressing the role of digital health and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Oshiomhole described digital transformation as critical to strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
He disclosed that Nigeria has adopted a National Digital Health Strategy, implemented the Nigerian Data Protection Act, and expanded disease surveillance systems nationwide as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s healthcare sector.
Highlighting Nigeria’s priorities for future global health strategies, the Commissioner called for stronger data systems and interoperability, ethical regulation of Artificial Intelligence, equitable access to precision medicine, investment in digital and AI-driven healthcare manpower, and sustainable financing for health technologies.
He further stressed the importance of broader regional consultations to ensure global health policies adequately reflect the realities, peculiarities, and healthcare challenges facing different parts of the world.
The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and convenes health leaders and representatives from member nations to deliberate on critical global health policies, emerging challenges, and strategies for strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
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