Foundation demands debt relief to fund health, education

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria is calling on African leaders to dismantle the cycle of debt injustice that diverts essential resources away from critical sectors like healthcare, education, and youth development. The foundation issued this appeal on Tuesday, coinciding with the Day of the African Child 2026.

AHF emphasized that Africa's largest asset, its young population, cannot reach its full potential when governments are compelled to prioritize debt servicing over vital social investments. "As the world’s youngest continent, Africa’s greatest asset is its young people. But their aspirations for healthy, educated, and prosperous futures cannot be realised when nations are forced to prioritise debt payments over investments in healthcare, education, and social protection," the foundation stated.

The organization highlighted the interconnected needs of young people, ranging from HIV prevention and accessible health services to quality education, gender equality, protection from violence, and economic empowerment. AHF argues that an inequitable global debt system severely limits governments' capacity to fund these essential services.

Through its "Freedom from Debt" campaign, AHF is actively pushing for urgent reforms that prioritize "people before profit." The goal is to create fiscal space for countries to invest more robustly in their youth. The foundation believes that a future free from unsustainable debt will enable more young people to remain in school, access quality healthcare, and contribute to building stronger societies.

The Day of the African Child, observed annually on June 16, commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where students were killed during protests against apartheid education inequalities. AHF noted that 50 years later, the day serves as a reminder for leaders to heed the voices of young people and ensure every child has the necessary resources and opportunities to shape their future.

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As the world’s youngest continent, Africa’s greatest asset is its young people. But their aspirations for healthy, educated, and prosperous futures cannot be realised when nations are forced to prioritise debt payments over investments in healthcare, education, and social protection.