Prof. Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, revealed that life-saving vaccines are protecting Nigerian girls from cervical cancer in an effort to achieve global healthcare coverage.
Pate recounted how collaboration and partnership with Norway enabled the impressive health strides.
“I am incredibly proud that Nigeria is now moving toward universal health coverage and that tens of millions of Nigerians now have access to life-saving vaccines,” the social welfare minister noted.
“Nigeria declared itself free of wild poliovirus in 2020, and I was instrumental in launching the country’s historic HPV vaccination program just last year. In just 12 months, we have protected over 12 million girls from cervical cancer.”
“Healthy societies lead to healthy economies, and the resulting economic benefits have ripple effects around the world. The vaccine alliance Gavi is an example of this. Their vaccination programs have generated over $250 billion in economic benefits in the countries they support. At the same time, their financing model ensures that countries take ownership of the work and that Gavi is gradually being phased out.
Since 2000, 19 countries have transitioned to fully self-financing their vaccination programs.
“One day, Nigeria will be among them,” Pate hoped.
A Safer World
Investing in global health helps create a safer world. COVID-19 showed us how interconnected the world is: An outbreak in one region can quickly spread across the globe. Health risks are also exacerbated by climate change. By investing in global health initiatives, Norway ensures that the world is better equipped to anticipate, prevent, and respond to new challenges.
In 2025, Norway has the opportunity to reaffirm its position as a global leader in global health and to make clear that global health inequality and security are a shared responsibility. Norwegian politicians can show determination, among other things, by implementing recommendations from an expert committee led by Camilla Stoltenberg:
Invest in proven strategies: Programs like Gavi have proven to be effective. Norway should continue to support and scale up these.
Collaborate to strengthen health systems: By strengthening capacity and infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries, Norway can contribute to better health and reduced dependence on aid.
Prioritize locally rooted solutions: The challenges of today and tomorrow—pandemics, climate change, conflict, and displacement—require inclusive approaches led by those closest to the communities they are helping.
In our interconnected world, one person’s health is everyone’s health. Global health is not just a priority—it is a necessity and an opportunity. Norway’s decisions will have ripple effects far beyond its own borders.
The world looks to Norway and expects you to lead the way. As the Stoltenberg Committee has titled its report: Norway can, and Norway should.
