Health ministers from across the Commonwealth have pledged to adopt a transformative approach to sustainable health financing, outlining a bold roadmap to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure equitable access to quality care for the 2.7 billion people living in Commonwealth nations.
This commitment emerged from the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM), held in Geneva, Switzerland, ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly. The ministers emphasized the pressing need for resilient, inclusive health systems especially in member states facing development aid cuts and funding constraints.
Addressing delegates from Nigeria and 44 other member states, along with 198 government officials and 42 observers, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey called for a shift away from short-term, fragmented health funding models toward long-term, strategic investments.
“We must move from fragmented, short-term fixes to comprehensive, long-term investments,” Botchwey said. “That means reinforcing governance, expanding the health workforce, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening supply chains and data systems, and above all, investing in primary health care.”
She also called for innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, social impact bonds, and public-private partnerships but stressed that innovation must promote equity. “Strong regulation, public leadership, and shared accountability are essential to ensure innovation works for everyone,” she added.
Chairing the meeting, Lesotho’s Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, emphasized the need for sustainable, equitable, and resilient health systems capable of withstanding future challenges.
Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledged the difficult global context but framed it as an opportunity for progress. “Our current challenges can accelerate the shift toward financial sustainability. The Commonwealth and WHO can collaborate to support countries, especially those experiencing severe disruptions, on their path to self-reliance with targeted donor support to bridge funding gaps,” he said.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adenkule Salako, who chaired discussions on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, called for a new financing paradigm. He urged Commonwealth nations to adopt sustainable financing models and prioritize strategic health spending to address the growing burden of NCDs and mental health challenges.
With this renewed commitment, the Commonwealth is positioning itself to lead global efforts in ensuring that health systems remain strong, accessible, and financially sustainable, despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
