Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, Jonathan are looking for urgent reforms in the Nigeria health sector

… The former presidents warn millions of diseases from preventable diseases

… Back Digital Solutions to put an end to medical tourism, poor access

Three former Nigerian leaders, Obasan Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday have expressed deep concern for the worsening of the state of the nation’s health sector, warning that millions of citizens continue to die from borne diseases due to poor structures and leaderships.

The former presidents spoke to Abuja at the launch of Care365 Health Hub, a health platform led by technology designed to provide medical services accessible and accessible to the Nigerians.

Obasanjo, in a frightening observation, said that it was shameful that in 2025 the Nigerians, in particular the children, were still dying of malaria due to poor access to basic health care.

“It is unacceptable that, in the era of artificial intelligence and space tourism, a Nigerian child still dies of malaria because his mother cannot afford transport in the nearest health facility,” he said.

According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria represented 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of the deaths related in 2023, with about 200,000 Nigerians – mostly children under the age of five – killed by the disease.

The former president described Care365 as a “transformative solution” capable of filling the health gaps at national level if adequately integrated into the system.

“These are not only infrastructure failures but failures of empathy and leadership at all levels,” added Obasanjo.

For his part, the former chief of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Retd.), Described the health structures of Nigeria as “seriously inadequate”, noting that citizens in rural areas are the worst success.

“Throughout the country, quality medical care are absent or extremely difficult to access. They must be taken urgent steps to fill the gap, especially for the inhabitants of the rural areas,” he said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan underlined Nigeria’s need to embrace digital health solutions, warning that addiction to obsolete systems was costing a life and billions of Naira in medical tourism.

He recalled the death of his former head of the staff, who was flown abroad without a clear diagnosis, stating that these tragedies could be prevented through platforms based on technology as Care365.

“Our young people should positively use their technological skills. With innovations like Care365, we can save money, save time and save lives,” said Jonathan.

The coordinated minister of health and social well -being, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who represented the federal government to the event, highlighted the four -pillar plan of President Bola Tinubu to reform the health sector.

He listed pillars as governance reforms, improved health results, unlock the health value chain and strengthen health safety.

Pate complained that Nigeria spends only $ 120 per capita for health care every year, with the government that contributed to only $ 30, leaving citizens to pay the rest of a pocket.

“This imbalance leaves millions of Nigerians vulnerable. As our economy grows, more funds must be assigned to the health sector,” said the minister.

The founder of Care365, Ngozi Odumuko, explained that the health hub was designed to make quality and quality technological accessible for each Nigerian accessible.

“With Care365, we want to guarantee that health care is not a privilege but a right for everyone,” he said.

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