The World Bank says it has approved the disbursement of nearly one billion dollars for the health sector in Nigeria.
It however stated that although the funds were approved by its board, access and utilisation of the funds is still subject to approval by the National Assembly (NASS).
It therefore urged commissioners of health for states to reach out to their various House of Representatives members to facilitate the access to the funds.
The Country Director of World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, made this known during a conference by the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum (NHCF), in Abuja, with the theme: “Building a stronger health sector in Nigeria through collaboration and strategic partnership.”
Represented by Kathleen Whimp, Chaudhuri said: “The future of Nigeria is in the hands of the health commissioners. People are more important for economic development than any other ingredient for growth. Looking after an elder population has become more expensive; any country must have grown to do this. Nigeria is at that point. This rests on health and education. We recognise Nigeria’s dedication to human capital development.
“However, Nigeria has one of the countries with the lowest domestic revenue generation in the world. We are supporting the country through malaria and immunisation programs and also in the purchase of vaccines. Our projects are implemented by governments while we provide technical support.
“Currently, we have nearly a billion dollars for Nigeria’s health sector approved by the World Bank Board, once the National Assembly (NASS) gives approval. I Urge the Commissioners of Health for the different states to talk to the House Representatives in their states in order to access the funds.”
