Health sector unions across West Africa have raised fresh concerns over the worsening state of healthcare delivery in the region, warning that the growing exodus of professionals—popularly known as “Japa”—is pushing health systems to the brink.
The alarm was sounded at the 25th plenary session of the West African Health Sector Unions Network held in Abuja, where stakeholders cited workforce shortages, insecurity, and poor funding as major threats to public healthcare.
Chairperson of WAHSUN, Kabiru Ado Sani Minjibir, said Africa’s health sector is under intense pressure due to years of neglect and weak policy implementation.
“Africa accounts for about 10 percent of the global population and 25 percent of the disease burden, yet has only about four percent of the global health workforce,” he said. “We are operating at barely one-third of the workforce needed to deliver essential services.”
Minjibir described the migration of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals as alarming, noting that many are leaving in search of better pay, safer working conditions, and improved career opportunities abroad.
He also highlighted the growing insecurity facing health workers, particularly in conflict-prone areas, revealing that attacks on health facilities have intensified, with hundreds of personnel reportedly killed in 2024 alone.
“A health worker who fears for their life cannot provide quality care. Safety is not optional—it is fundamental,” he stressed.
The WAHSUN leader further criticised the treatment of community health workers, noting that over 80 percent remain unpaid or lack formal employment despite being central to primary healthcare delivery.
On funding, he faulted African governments for failing to meet the 15 percent health budget target agreed under the Abuja Declaration, pointing out that Nigeria allocated only about six percent to the sector in its 2026 budget.
“We are simply asking governments to honour commitments made over two decades ago,” he said.
Responding, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, acknowledged the challenges but maintained that progress is being made in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“Health is not cheap—it is a political choice,” Pate said, noting that the current allocation represents Nigeria’s highest health budget share in nearly two decades.
He disclosed that government interventions have extended funding support to over 8,000 primary healthcare centres, with plans to scale up to 13,000 facilities, alongside ongoing training for frontline workers.
Pate also assured health unions of continued engagement through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of resolving labour issues via collective bargaining.
He called for stronger regional collaboration, stressing that health challenges transcend borders.
“What happens in one country affects others. We must work together to build resilient health systems for our people,” he added.
The WAHSUN plenary brought together health unions and stakeholders from across West Africa to discuss strategies for improving healthcare delivery, protecting workers, and advancing universal health coverage in the region.
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