Lagos, Nigeria – Former presidential candidate and economist, Kingsley Moghalu, has called on African governments to prioritize healthcare funding from domestic resources rather than relying on foreign aid, warning that dependence on external assistance is unsustainable for the continent.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Moghalu emphasized the need for African nations to take full responsibility for their healthcare systems, citing the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) under former President Donald Trump as a “wake-up call.”

“African countries must make funding for healthcare from their own resources a priority. Reliance on foreign aid for healthcare interventions is not wisdom,” Moghalu stated.

The economist criticized what he described as misplaced priorities by many African governments, arguing that the funds received in foreign aid pale in comparison to the resources wasted on political luxuries and corruption.

“What many African countries receive in aid is nothing compared to the resources that are wasted on the comfort of politicians or corruptly misappropriated,” he added.

While acknowledging that some African nations have demonstrated better fiscal discipline, Moghalu urged governments across the continent to take decisive action in making healthcare a critical national priority.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over the sustainability of donor-funded healthcare programs in Africa, particularly in light of shifting global economic policies and reductions in international aid commitments.

Healthcare advocates and policymakers have echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for African countries to develop long-term strategies for financing their healthcare systems independently, ensuring access to quality medical care for their populations.