Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, has called on the European Union to take renewed leadership in global public health as other major powers scale back their frontline commitments.
Speaking during a keynote address at the European Union Parliament in Brussels, Prof. Pate highlighted the transformative gains made in combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria over recent decades—progress he attributed to strong multilateral cooperation and global solidarity.
The minister emphasized that as low- and middle-income countries increasingly invest domestic resources to reduce aid dependence, Europe’s financial commitment to the Global Fund must correspond to its economic strength and global influence.
He urged EU leaders to seize this moment to redefine and strengthen their partnership with Africa for long-term public health security.
Prof. Pate’s address underscored the importance of sustained global financing, shared accountability, and an equitable approach to health systems strengthening as the world navigates emerging challenges and shifting geopolitical priorities.
Bello Wakili
