Obasanjo backs African traditional medicine & continental health fund

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged African leaders to embrace traditional medicine and establish a continental health fund.

Speaking at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Obasanjo emphasized the need for Africa to strengthen its health sovereignty and ensure security for all.

Obasanjo highlighted the potential of traditional medicine, noting that “the herbs that we have in our villages and rural areas are useful; even pharmaceuticals derive a significant portion of their products from herbs. We must leverage this.”

He stressed the importance of localized solutions at family and community levels, citing that up to 80% of pharmaceutical drugs originate from herbs.

At the national level, Obasanjo encouraged African countries to scale up health insurance schemes and allocate at least 25% of budget funding to build resilient health systems and infrastructure.

He noted that while most African countries have some form of health insurance, greater investment is needed to bridge gaps in access and quality.

Obasanjo proposed creating an African Health Fund, similar to the Peace Fund supporting peace-building efforts.

He suggested the African Development Bank could manage it, financed through mechanisms like a surcharge on flights in/out of Africa.

“If we can mobilise funds quickly for peace efforts, we can certainly do the same for health,” he said.

Obasanjo concluded with a call for “health security for all,” emphasizing global solidarity in facing health emergencies.

“Pandemics know no boundaries. We must act, together and separately, to secure the health of all Africans,” he said, advocating for Africa’s proactive role in health development with a focus on sustainability, equity, and resilience.