Jean Francois Hasperue, French Head of Mission Nigeria, said France has invested over €3 million in the Nigerian healthcare system in 2023.
Hasperue disclosed this at the embassy’s commemoration of the World Health Day in Abuja via a students’ breakfast debate featuring students of Lycée Francais Marcel Pagnol Abuja and medical doctor, Dr Andrew Marbell.
According to Hasperue, as the second largest contributor to the global health fund, France cares not just about healthcare in France and Europe but globally.
France’s investment in Nigerian healthcare in partnership with the Nigerian government, spans areas of humanitarianism and infrastructure.
“We have a project for building and renovating hospitals in Oyo State. We have a mission to multiply this kind of project with the government to develop the network of health infrastructure.
“We have the mission to multiply this kind of project with the government to develop the network of health infrastructure. We also have private companies who are investing in health. We have a private company who has invested in medicine production in Nigeria.
“We try to mobilize our cooperation with the government, our private companies, and from the humanitarian angle or a broader approach to health in Nigeria.”
While acknowledging the Nigerian government’s interest in enhancing citizens’ access to healthcare, Hasperue said good health and security are requisite for a nation’s citizens and economy to thrive. “Once you have good health and a secure environment, with the creativity and energy of the Nigerian youth, you can do whatever you want.”
