By Nafisat Makinde
The 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (37CHMM) took place on May 17, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Hilton Geneva Hotel and Conference Centre. The meeting brought together health ministers and stakeholders from across the Commonwealth to discuss strategies for long-term investment in resilient health systems.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the need for sustainable financing and smart health spending. “Nigeria believes smart spending is central to sustainable health financing. We must reorient financing systems to maximize value and equity, particularly by strengthening primary health care and promoting local solutions.”
Nigeria’s progress in healthcare includes:
- Routine HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14, reaching over 12 million with a 71% coverage rate
- Revitalization of primary healthcare centers
- Expanded investments in tertiary health infrastructure
- Innovative financing strategies to cushion the financial burden of catastrophic health conditions such as cancer and chronic kidney disease
- Establishment of the Social Action Fund to empower communities in health promotion initiatives
- Progress in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, moving toward self-sufficiency in producing key health commodities
- Digital transformation accelerating under the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative
The meeting addressed the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the need for innovative financing strategies. Ministers committed to strengthening health financing, addressing critical shortages in the health workforce, and increasing uptake of digital health tools.
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, congratulated the newly appointed CHMM Chair, Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane of Lesotho. Dr. Salako reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collective progress, urging the Commonwealth to remain united in pursuing equitable health for all.
The 37th CHMM underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to collective action and cooperation in addressing healthcare challenges across member nations.
