By our Reporter
Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese has called for urgent, Africa-driven solutions to the continent’s worsening health crisis, warning that dependence on foreign aid is no longer viable.
Speaking at the African Faith and Health Leaders Consultation in Nairobi hosted by CCIH, AACC and ACHAP Kukah urged faith leaders, civil society and governments to take responsibility and demand accountability from political leaders.
He charged religious institutions to push harder for reforms, saying Africa must stop “blaming the victim” or relying on divine intervention to cover for failed health systems. The gathering brought together church leaders from 10 sub-Saharan countries to discuss equitable health financing, sustainable care for underserved communities and improved advocacy.
Kukah criticised African governments for failing to meet the Abuja Declaration pledge of allocating 15% of national budgets to health. He noted that moral authority alone is not enough without data, analysis and consistent pressure on politicians.
Sharing examples from Nigeria, he described how citizens are overwhelmed by hospital bills and constant financial distress. According to him, p%verty and desperation have turned medical care into a crisis, with families endlessly seeking help just to survive.
He urged stronger local resource mobilisation and challenged wealthy Africans to invest more in health, insisting that “it is more expensive to die in Africa than to live.” He warned that the continent cannot continue depending on Europe and America.
The consultation continues with discussions on local health manufacturing, fair financing systems, government partnerships and community-level solutions.
