Abuja:The Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL) has urged the House of Representatives to quickly approve two health financing bills to bolster Nigeria’s response to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and improve access to essential health services.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ademuyiwa Damilola, Director of Programmes at LISDEL, emphasized the need for the House to expedite the legislative process during an interview at the National Convergence on Sustainable Health Financing in Abuja.
Damilola highlighted the significance of this convergence as a critical intervention aimed at advancing Nigeria’s health financing strategy in light of reduced donor support and economic challenges. He stressed that the decline in external funding and limited government resources necessitate enhanced domestic financing for healthcare, particularly for NCDs, which significantly impact mortality and morbidity in the country.
He expressed satisfaction with the Senate’s approval of the two bills and called on the House of Representatives to swiftly pass them, ensuring their transmission to the Presidency for final approval and implementation. He noted that expanding the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and utilizing resources from the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax would establish sustainable funding for the health sector.
Damilola explained that these reforms would result in increased funding for diagnosis, testing, treatment, medicines, and other essential health services, benefiting individuals living with HIV and those affected by NCDs. He added that part of the SSB tax resources would support health promotion activities, such as public enlightenment and community sensitization on preventing and managing NCDs.
He concluded by stating that the increased investment would enhance community awareness, enabling more Nigerians to understand NCD risks, adopt preventive measures, and access appropriate healthcare services when necessary.