Health
Nigeria Yet to Allocate 15% of Budget to Health as Promised—WHO
By Adedapo Adesanya
Almost 22 years after pledging to set a target of allocating at least 15 per cent of their annual budget to improve the health sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Nigeria is still far from meeting the goal.
In April 2001, heads of state of African Union countries met in Abuja and pledged to set a target of allocating at least 15 per cent of their budget to the health sector.
In commemoration of this year’s World Health Day, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of WHO, the Abuja Declaration on improving the health sector was revisited, and many setbacks remained.
April 7 every year was dedicated by the United Nations as World Health Day, and this year was themed, Health for All -Strengthening Primary Health Care to Build Resilient Systems.
Speaking around the declaration made by the then Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, explained that even after successive governments, “today, we are still far from achieving the target.’’
Dr Mulombo advocated more funding of the health sector to meet the said target, saying the sector was not adequately funded, compared to areas such as defence, and army, among others.
According to him, health is a human right and not a luxury or consumable, the more politically wise decisions the country makes now will benefit this nation.
“We need to start talking about human rights violations because it is not acceptable for any child to miss a vaccine,’’ he said.
He said that some areas where the organisation accessed showed that 80 per cent of the money went into tertiary hospitals.
According to him, primary healthcare is where 80 per cent of the population in the communities get their first exposure to healthcare services.
“The spending itself is distorted. That is the biggest challenge that has generated everything that we have seen.
“Lack of adequate budget to prepare responses to a pandemic, for instance, we have to struggle in many places,’’ he said.
According to him, the main challenge is the way health is featured as a political choice, and unfortunately, many governments do not live by the standard.
“Many countries continue to consider health as a luxury or something that is costing the government money whereas it should have been taken like an enabling factor for economic and socio-economic development,’’ Mr Mulombo said.
He said it was worrisome the way countries were dealing with social determinants of health, factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighbourhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks and access to health care.
According to him, addressing social determinants of health is important for improving health and reducing longstanding disparities in health and healthcare.
Dr Mulombo further advocated more facilities with dialysis machines and more expensive equipment to combat the noncommunicable diseases as such was part of the organisation’s challenges.
He said that the organisation also had the challenges of demographic transition because the facilities that were used during the colonial period were still the same in Africa, although It may be possible that Nigeria had the same situation.
“The country is not expending in the space of demographic transition, and the way the population is increasing, Nigeria is projected to have more than 400 million population by 2040, 2050,’’ he said.
Dr Mulombo said that there was also the problem of how the county prepares for the response to any big outbreaks of pandemics.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic was not expected and as such caused havoc in many counties.
“The health body is still expecting the flu pandemic and has been preparing for it.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, no country was ready, not even the US or the UK, and yet we have International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Agenda.
“The way we prepare was a challenge, and the other one was that the demographic transition and the prominence of disease civilisation, non-communicable diseases, our health facilities are not prepared to face these challenges,’’ he said.
The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 is a legally binding agreement of 196 countries to build the capability to detect and report potential public health emergencies worldwide.
It requires that all countries have the ability to detect, assess, report, and respond to public health events.
The Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) is a global effort to strengthen the world’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.
According to him, there is a need for the community to play their roles in identifying their needs and in providing the service to address the challenges.
As pet owners, our top priority is ensuring our furry friends remain healthy, happy, and well cared for. Regular veterinary visits and access to reliable urgent care services are essential parts of that responsibility. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care – SouthPark stands as a trusted partner for pet owners, providing comprehensive care that includes routine check-ups, urgent support, and preventive treatments. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of urgent pet-care, how regular vet visits contribute to long-term wellness, and the steps we can take to help our beloved companions thrive at every stage of their lives.
The Importance of Urgent Pet-Care
Urgent pet-care is the foundation of a pet’s health and wellness. Just like us, pets can develop health issues without clear symptoms. Early detection through regular visits can lead to better outcomes, especially in urgent situations.
Vaccinations: A Key Component of Pet Health
Vaccinations are crucial for preventing serious diseases in pets. Core vaccines protect against fatal viruses, such as parvovirus in dogs and feline distemper in cats. By keeping our pets up to date, we equip them against potential health crises.
Preventative Treatments for Common Health Issues
Regular vet visits often include preventative treatments for conditions like flea and tick infestations and heartworm disease. These treatments significantly reduce the risk of urgent health issues. Incorporating preventative care into our pets’ routines helps us focus on health rather than treatment in emergencies.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Management
Proper nutrition and exercise are essential for keeping pets safe and strong. Every pet has unique dietary needs that may change over time. Ensuring our pets receive the right nutrients supports their overall health.
Understanding Your Pet’s Unique Needs
Consulting with a veterinarian about proper food can greatly influence our pets’ health. Vets provide guidance on the ideal mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats necessary for each pet. Moreover, maintaining a balanced exercise routine helps manage weight and promotes muscle strength, essential aspects of urgent pet-care.
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care – SouthPark
The Role of Emergency Veterinary Services
While prevention is better than cure, emergencies can arise unexpectedly. Emergency veterinary services are crucial for providing immediate care when pets face critical situations.
Building a Trusted Relationship with Your Vet
Establishing a relationship with a trusted veterinarian can make a significant difference during an urgent situation. Knowing our vet allows us to feel more at ease when our pets need immediate attention. A vet familiar with our pet’s history enhances the chances of timely and accurate diagnoses.
The Benefits of Comprehensive Health Records
Comprehensive health records are vital in emergencies. Access to our pet’s medical history, including vaccinations and previous illnesses, helps emergency vets make informed decisions quickly, ensuring our pets receive the best care when it’s needed most.
Conclusion
Regular veterinary care is about more than just check-ups; it encompasses vaccinations, preventative treatments, nutritional advice, and urgent care services. By prioritizing our pets’ health through consistent vet visits, we can ensure they remain safe and strong throughout their lives. Let’s continue to provide the best urgent pet-care for our companions. They depend on us, and with the right support, we can help them enjoy long, happy lives.
Over the last decade, vaping has emerged as one of the most popular alternatives to smoking. For many people, it offered a way to reduce the health risks of cigarettes while still enjoying a familiar experience. But in recent years, a new category has entered the spotlight: nicotine free vapes. These products are reshaping how people view wellness, addiction, and lifestyle choices, creating a movement that goes beyond smoking cessation and into a broader cultural shift.
Nicotine is the addictive chemical that keeps smokers hooked on cigarettes. Even when switching to regular vapes, many people remain tied to the cycle of dependence because nicotine is still present. Nicotine free vapes eliminate this ingredient entirely, offering the act of vaping without the addictive pull. For some, this is a small adjustment. For others, it represents freedom from years of struggling to break away from addiction. The absence of nicotine is what makes these products stand out and why their popularity is steadily increasing.
A major appeal of nicotine free vaping is the focus on flavor and variety. Instead of being limited to the harsh taste of tobacco, consumers can explore countless flavors, ranging from tropical fruits to desserts to refreshing mint blends. This makes the experience fun and customizable. Younger adults especially have embraced this variety, treating it less like a substitute for smoking and more like a lifestyle choice. In social settings, sharing and recommending flavors has become part of the enjoyment.
Technology has also played an important role in the rise of nicotine free vaping. Early vaping devices often came with drawbacks such as weak vapor production, short battery life, and inconsistent performance. Modern devices, however, feature advanced heating systems, reliable batteries, and smoother airflow. These improvements have made nicotine free vapes just as satisfying as traditional options, often with an even more refined user experience. By combining sleek design with functionality, these devices have become both practical and appealing to a broad range of users.
From a health perspective, nicotine free vapes are seen as a safer alternative. While it is important to acknowledge that inhaling vapor is not completely without risks, removing nicotine reduces one of the most harmful factors. Nicotine affects the cardiovascular system, raises blood pressure, and fuels addiction. Without it, users can enjoy the sensory experience of vaping without exposing themselves to those dangers. This has made nicotine free vapes especially attractive to people who are health conscious but still enjoy the social and sensory aspects of vaping.
For individuals trying to quit smoking, nicotine free vapes can serve as a transitional tool. Many smokers struggle with two aspects of quitting: the chemical addiction to nicotine and the behavioral habit of holding and inhaling a cigarette. Nicotine free devices allow them to maintain the ritual while gradually reducing their reliance on nicotine. This combination of psychological comfort and reduced chemical exposure often makes quitting feel more achievable.
The social acceptance of nicotine free vaping is another factor in its growing appeal. In many communities, smoking carries a negative stigma due to its well known health consequences. Vaping without nicotine removes much of that stigma and opens the activity to people who simply enjoy the flavors and social aspects. This inclusivity has helped build communities around vaping, with users exchanging tips, flavors, and device recommendations without the heavy baggage of addiction.
Of course, there are ongoing debates. Critics worry that vaping in any form could normalize the act of smoking like behavior and attract people who would not otherwise pick up the habit. Supporters argue that nicotine free options provide a harm reduction pathway, especially for long term smokers who have struggled to quit. The discussion reflects the complexity of balancing health concerns with personal freedom and choice.
Despite the debates, the demand for nicotine free vapes continues to grow. Consumers today are more aware of their health, more interested in technology, and more focused on lifestyle balance. These devices meet those expectations by offering a way to enjoy vaping without the risks of addiction. They represent not just a product but a cultural shift toward more intentional and mindful consumption.
Looking ahead, nicotine free vaping is likely to expand even further. As technology advances, devices will become smaller, more efficient, and even more customizable. Flavors will continue to diversify, giving users endless ways to personalize their experience. For many, this will mean having the freedom to enjoy vaping on their own terms without being tied to the addictive grip of nicotine. In a world where wellness and lifestyle choices are increasingly intertwined, nicotine free vapes are emerging as a powerful example of how innovation can support healthier habits.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 111th Regular Meeting and 2025 Annual Conference of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Managing Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria (CCMDFTH), hosted by the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, provided another opportunity for Interswitch to showcase its innovative health solutions to participants.
At the four-day conference, which held from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17, 2025, the company educated the audience of its suite of cutting-edge digital health solutions like the Health Information Management System (HIMS), eClinic, and Smarthealth, designed to simplify hospital operations, enhance administrative efficiency, and improve patient outcomes across hospitals, Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), and related institutions.
The HIMS platform connects healthcare providers, HMOs, and subscribers through a unified digital ecosystem that streamlines claims processing, data exchange, and communication across the healthcare value chain.
eClinic enables healthcare centres to transition from paper-based processes to electronic medical records, while Smarthealth empowers individuals with tools for telemedicine, medical geolocation, symptom checking, and personalised wellness tracking.
“At Interswitch, we are not just building technology, we are building bridges between care providers, patients, and policymakers.
“Through platforms like HIMS, eClinic, and Smarthealth, we’re empowering hospitals and HMOs to embrace digital transformation, making healthcare delivery more transparent, efficient, and patient-centred,” the Vice President for Health Ecosystem (Public Sector), Industry Ecosystem and Platforms at Interswitch Indeco, Mr Babatunde Fadeyi, said.
It was learned that the conference, Smarter Processes, Better Healthcare, brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and technology partners from across the country.
There were technical sessions, interactive exhibitions, and high-level discussions centred on advancing smarter healthcare delivery systems through digital innovation, with Interswitch featuring prominently.
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