The PSHAN Quarterly Webinar Series will highlight issues within the health sector with consequences on the organized business sector in Nigeria as well as opportunities for business, impact with the aim of driving action, knowledge exchange, and forging mutually beneficial partnerships.
Date: Tuesday, 29th March 2022
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Duration: 1hr 30mins
Venue: Zoom
Topic: Health Systems Transformation: A Key to Human Capital Development and Economic Prosperity.
Objectives:
- Identify the links between stronger health systems & increased business performance.
- Building consensus on the urgency of health systems transformation as a key lever for human capital development.
- Improving the capacity of decision-makers to recognize the benefits for investment in health systems strengthening.
- Mobilize support for PHC revitalization through the Adopt a Health Facility Program.
Human capital—the knowledge, skills, and health developed or indigenous to people—is a driver for economic growth. More human capital is associated with higher earnings for people, higher income for countries, and better business for the organized private sector. Despite the critical role that Human Capital Development (HCD) plays in economic prosperity with 10% GDP growth for every 1-point increase in Human Capital Index observable in nations of the world, Nigeria is rated by the World Bank’s Human Capital Index 2020 as ranking in the lowest quartile – 161 out of 189 countries and territories – in the world.
The health system in Nigeria, comprised of policies, processes, and structures – whether publicly or privately owned – battles herculean challenges. While Nigeria requires about 303,333 medical doctors yearly to adequately staff her health system, only 10,605 new doctors join the workforce annually. Health expenditure on health falls below the 15% benchmark stipulated in the Abuja Declaration. About 30% of primary healthcare facilities critical for the delivery of Primary Health Care – the mainstay of health care delivery – are deemed unfit for purpose by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
In view of the aforementioned gaps, much of the hard-won human capital gains (such as increased school attendance and ANC attendance) over the past decade are at risk of being eroded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Urgent action is needed to protect these advances, particularly in the health sector where nationwide lockdowns led to reduced access to health services with grave implications on reproductive health, immunization, and weakening of the health system.
The Nigerian National HCD Programme focuses on 3 Thematic Areas and 6 critical human capital development outcome areas (Health and Nutrition; Education and Labour Force Participation) as areas for action. Considering the link between health, HCD, and the economy, what steps are business sector entities taking in these areas? What opportunities exist for concerted effort, investment, or action? In view of the desired outcomes, what role does health play? How can the business sector serve as a catalyst for these outcomes and what benefits accrue in the process?
This maiden edition of PSHAN’s webinar series will bring together corporate and business executives and stakeholders to discuss, analyze, and conceive ideas for Nigeria to correct adverse economic trends, strengthen the human capital base, and transform the country’s health systems.
