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General News of Saturday, 14 August 2021

Source: punchng.com

'Nigeria facing worst recession in 40 years' - Fayemi

Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi

The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has said the COVID-19 pandemic caused setbacks to the several milestones the nation set for itself, including its 2030 target for achieving Universal Health Coverage.

He regretted that COVID-19 disrupted health systems and economies.

Fayemi spoke during a one-day media dialogue on private sector intervention in healthcare, organised by the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria set several milestones surrounding health before the onset of the pandemic but the plans were disrupted.

He said, “Before the pandemic began, we had set several milestones for ourselves including towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030. Yet, we are faced with the sad reality that COVID-19 has disrupted health systems and economies.

“In less than two years, the pandemic has caused a setback in development gains achieved over the past 25 years. FG attributes exit from recession to fiscal, monetary policies.

“Across the world, we have seen the impact of this pandemic on the livelihoods of people. As a country, we are experiencing our worst recession in the past 40 years.

“But while we mitigate the immediate consequences of the pandemic, we must also focus on building back our economy and health system for tomorrow; an economy and health system which is resilient to global health crises and economic shocks, by prioritising recovery plans that tackle multiple challenges. Nigeria can recover in a way that is more inclusive, sustainable and resilient.”