Salako Advocates Payroll Reforms for Health Workforce Growth

Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, urged African governments to enhance domestic financing and reform payroll systems to expand the continent's community health workforce to two million by 2030. He made this appeal on Thursday at a high-level ministerial gathering on community health in Abuja, where representatives from African countries, continental institutions, and development partners discussed strategies to improve community-based healthcare delivery.

Salako emphasized the need for concrete commitments on funding, payroll reforms, and policy measures, stating that the decisions made would significantly impact the continent's health systems. He outlined four expected outcomes from the meeting, including a shared understanding of the urgency of the target and commitments to develop national community health plans within 12 to 18 months.

Salako also highlighted the importance of establishing a common position among African Union member states and endorsing country roadmaps. The meeting aimed to finalize the Abuja Communiqué for adoption at the political segment scheduled for October 30.