The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms are a replicable model for other member states in advancing primary health care (PHC) systems.

Jean Kaseya, the director-general of the Africa CDC, said this in Abuja on Thursday, during the Joint Annual Health Sector Review.

JAR2025 is a forum for assessing progress, sharing lessons, and driving accountability in Nigeria’s health sector.

This year’s theme, “All Hands One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light,” shines a spotlight on the strength of the people, the resilience of the systems, and the dedication of the frontline health workers.

Mr Kaseya said the presence of Nigeria’s Minister of Finance at the meeting signified a strong political commitment rarely seen in other countries.

“What we see here is genuine leadership and momentum that is transforming the system,” he said.

He cited Rwanda’s community-based health insurance as an inspiring example, where 88 per cent of the population is covered and out-of-pocket spending is reduced by the same rate.

“Imagine if Nigeria cuts out-of-pocket spending by 88 per cent. The world would migrate here because it would become another paradise,” he added.

The Africa CDC director-general noted that Nigeria’s reforms, including the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), digital transformation agenda, and drive for domestic and innovative financing, align with continental priorities to reduce dependence on Official Development Assistance (ODA).

He said Nigeria’s digital payroll reform had already saved more than ₦220 billion by eliminating ghost workers and reducing inefficiencies in the health sector.

Mr Kaseya also praised Nigeria’s effort to engage the private sector in local health manufacturing, citing Aliko Dangote’s investment in bed net production as an example of homegrown leadership that strengthens national capacity.

He said that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Health Minister Muhammad Pate, Nigeria was demonstrating how countries could expand their fiscal space for health through better planning, transparency, and resource mobilisation.

“When you plan properly, digitalise your systems, eliminate ghost workers, and strengthen insurance coverage, you do not need more than 30 per cent of external aid to fund your health system. That is the direction Africa must take,” he said.

The Africa CDC chief disclosed that Nigeria had been selected, along with a few other countries, as a pilot nation for integrated health system alignment and performance tracking over the next two years.

He said global partners, including Gavi and the Global Fund, would now be encouraged to align with Africa’s Lusaka Agenda, which promotes donor coordination and stronger country ownership of health systems.

“We are asking all partners to become Lusaka compliant. Without supporting the SWAp and national priorities, it is useless. Nigeria’s example shows it can be done,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Africa CDC’s pride in Nigeria’s achievements, noting that the country’s reforms were based on evidence and delivered a measurable impact.

(NAN)