Addressing the multiple intersecting disease burdens in Nigeria requires an equal balance between prevention and care.

Nigeria has had to bear the cost of infectious and non-communicable diseases, having 70-80% of the population paying out of hand for primary healthcare. The myriads of problems in Nigeria hold pressure on the need for interventions. The demand from the government to help the majority of the growing population poses a significant financial burden and stress. So, the private sector, together with the public sector, are taking responsibility to improve the healthcare system of Nigeria. 

The implementation of the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP) has led to opportunities in lending a helping hand and targeting seven of the World Health Organisations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases to cure the entire value chain. 

As COVID-19 has been the underbelly of the healthcare system, we have managed to provide effort in a few states. Our recent support allowed us to achieve advocacy in a COVID-19 campaign, lead discussions on the nation’s capital and secure a donation of N50 million from the AIG Lmoukheude Foundation to support ADHFP. 

During a two-day summit organised by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibajo stated that increased private sector investment is crucial to the efficient and effective running of the Nigerian health system. He applauded the efforts of PSHAN and NPHCDA through the ADHFP initiative for working towards a truly equitable and accessible healthcare system.

The multi-impact initiative aims to provide world-class Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of the 774 LGAs of Nigeria, with the current focus on Delta, Bauchi, Edo, Rivers and Kano.

CEO of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, expressed gratitude for the generosity and unity of the PSHAN directors and other business leaders. She also encouraged members of the private sector to join the movement so that PSHAN could fulfil its commitment to supporting the NPHCDA in making primary healthcare accessible to all Nigerians.

“With a total of 91 PHCs adopted out of our target of 774, we have achieved approximately 15% of our target in one day, which marks an incredible stride,” she says.

For healthcare to work in Nigeria, each sector – health insurance, healthcare financing, healthcare provisions, standards, monitoring and evaluation must all work together. 

It is not just about healthcare but the sustainability of the Nigerian community. 

We believe that the power of collaboration will play a pivotal role in the health of the ecosystem and synergistic partnerships to combat the accessibility of the healthcare sector in Nigeria.