The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday, revealed that it plans to spend up to $178 million between 2018 and 2019, on solving health related problems in Nigeria.
The WHO Country Representative, Wondimagegnehu Alemu, revealed this at the joint approval of the Biennium WHO Programme Budget of 2018 to 2019, in Abuja, with the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole in attendance.
According to Mr. Alemu $127 million, representing 66 per cent of the budget, would be channeled towards polio eradication programmes.
He also said, $8.1 million is earmarked for promotion of health care through reduction of maternal and child mortality as well as family planning.
Alemu added that $30 million would be spent on communicable disease projects such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS within the period under review.
Mr. Alemu also said the remaining funds would be used for emergencies arising from of outbreak of diseases.
The Country Representative, who stated that he signed the budget on behalf of his regional Director, disclosed that it had been approved by the regional office. Adding that there would be consultative meetings among partners and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
Reacting, Mr. Adewole commended WHO for its efforts to boost health sector and that the signing of the budget was an evident of continued support of WHO to Nigeria.
“On behalf of the people and the government of Nigeria, I wish to express appreciation for the support we have been receiving from WHO, we are indeed grateful” he said.
