Stakeholders Call for Increased Focus on Preventive Healthcare in National Budget

Health sector stakeholders have urged the government to significantly increase investment in preventive healthcare and supporting infrastructure in the upcoming national budget.
They warned that continued focus on curative care is placing an unsustainable burden on the economy.
The stakeholders argue that if the country is to fully realize the President’s push to shift from curative to preventive healthcare, budget priorities must change accordingly.
They noted that treatment costs currently consume a disproportionately large share of national resources, yet evidence shows that prevention delivers far greater value for money.
Citing sector data, stakeholders said that every dollar invested in preventive health interventions saves up to five dollars in direct medical costs, underscoring the economic case for prevention-focused spending.
The calls were made during a stakeholders’ breakfast meeting, an initiative aimed at scaling preventive public health action nationwide by 2026.
The program has mobilised communities around improved sanitation, behavioral change, and environmental cleanliness as foundations for better health outcomes.
Speaking at the forum, a World Health Organization representative emphasised that prevention must be backed by visible investments.
Clean markets, access to safe water, proper sanitation facilities, and well-equipped primary healthcare centres should be clearly reflected in both policy decisions and budget allocations, they said.
A health official acknowledged the concerns raised, noting that prevention remains central to reducing disease burden and improving quality of life.
Sustained investment in community-level health systems is critical to achieving long-term national health goals, they added.
Another representative described a national initiative as a strategic entry point for the country to align with continental health commitments.
The focus on clean water and sanitation aligns national financing priorities with continental commitments seeking universal access to safe water and sanitation.
The stakeholders expressed hope that the forthcoming budget will translate these commitments into tangible funding, allowing the country to decisively shift its healthcare narrative from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.