Abuja: The Society for Public Health Professionals Nigeria (SPHPN) has urged all levels of government to increase funding for the health sector to improve healthcare delivery for Nigerians. Prof. Michael Asuzu, SPHPN’s immediate past President, made the call during the inauguration of the society’s new executives in Abuja, emphasising the need for government to heed professional advice in policy-making.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Asuzu stated that current health sector funding was grossly inadequate, calling for intentional and sustainable financial commitment beyond mere payment of salaries. He highlighted the poor funding of teaching hospitals and health programmes, stressing that Nigeria must afford comprehensive health services to meet the population’s growing needs. Asuzu identified a structural crisis in primary healthcare (PHC), describing Nigeria’s PHC system as dysfunctional due to conflicts and underdevelopment in auxiliary health worker programmes.
Asuzu explained that since 1978, it is widely accepted that no effective health system exists without strong primary healthcare. He noted that Nigeria currently lacks a functioning PHC system, attributing problems to sectoral conflicts and poor coordination. The society’s past advocacy had helped stop counterproductive policies, including placing a moratorium on the unchecked establishment of new federal universities and medical centres. Asuzu also noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent moratorium on new universities aligned with SPHPN’s long-standing recommendations to focus on improving existing institutions first.
Asuzu urged the new SPHPN executives to passionately engage all government branches, encouraging partnerships to incorporate professional advice in health sector decision-making. He stressed the importance of involving public health experts in policy formulation for timely, effective health interventions nationwide. Asuzu called on all public health professionals to join SPHPN or related bodies to unify voices and strengthen advocacy for Nigeria’s health system.
Stephen Abah, the new SPHPN President, said the society would leverage its multisectoral membership to drive policy and systemic reforms addressing Nigeria’s health challenges. Abah promised aggressive collaboration with authorities to improve Primary Health Care, epidemic preparedness, and patient safety across the country. Recognising PHC as the health system’s foundation, SPHPN plans grassroots engagement with local governments and workers to revitalise service delivery and health outcomes.
Given recurring disease outbreaks like Lassa fever and cholera, and Ebola threats nearby, the society prioritises strengthening Nigeria’s defenses against communicable diseases. On patient safety, SPHPN will target hospital-acquired infections, poor infection control, surgical errors, and wound care failures to improve quality of care. Abah said SPHPN, as a gathering point for all public health disciplines, also planned to address workplace health, acknowledging its impact on national well-being.
The society aims to work with government agencies and the legislature to recognise public health as a productive sector vital to national development. Abah highlighted the existence of many outdated policies, indicating that SPHPN will partner with the National Assembly to pass new laws, enforce existing ones, and repeal obsolete statutes in public health. He emphasised efficient use of available resources as the first step, partnering with state and local governments to improve resource management and community health initiatives. Under his leadership, inclusivity, teamwork, and broad participation would guide SPHPN’s efforts to elevate Nigeria’s standing on the global health stage.
The newly inaugurated executive team includes Dr Ikechukwu Orji, Vice President 1, Prof. Arimiyau Sanusi, Vice President 2, Prof. Arinola Jodah, Secretary General, Vera Usigbe, Treasurer, and Dr Oladayo Awoyale, Editor-in-Chief.