We are excited to share that our 2024 Annual Report is now available! The report highlights our impactful journey throughout 2024—marking PSHAN’s 10th anniversary and how our strategic partnerships, innovative programmes, and multi-sector collaborations have advanced healthcare access, strengthened primary healthcare delivery, and driven sustainable change across Nigeria’s health system.
Jim Ovia, CFR, Chairman, PSHAN
Chairman’s Remark
In 2024, global and national health challenges continued to evolve, with rising healthcare costs, climate change’s impact on health, and the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases shaping the healthcare landscape. In Nigeria, persistent barriers such as limited access to primary healthcare, funding gaps, and systemic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress toward Universal Health Coverage. However, this year has also demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change.
At PSHAN, we have remained steadfast in our mission to address these challenges by forging strategic partnerships and mobilising private sector resources to
improve healthcare access for communities. Our Adopt-A-Primary Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP) has expanded significantly, strengthening healthcare service delivery across both urban and rural areas. Through policy advocacy and strategic collaborations, we have influenced key decisions in healthcare financing and sustainability, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to embracing innovation, scaling our initiatives, and deepening partnerships to achieve lasting health outcomes for all Nigerians. We recognise that sustainable health system transformation requires collective action, and we are committed to working with stakeholders across sectors to drive real impact.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our members, partners, adopters, key stakeholders, and the entire PSHAN team for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Together, we will continue to build a healthier, stronger, and more inclusive Nigeria.
Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO, PSHAN
MD/CEO’s STATEMENT
As we reflect on 2024, I am proud to share the remarkable strides we have made in advancing healthcare across Nigeria, despite a year filled with both challenges and accomplishments. Our unwavering commitment to strengthening the healthcare system through strategic collaborations, innovative solutions, and meaningful partnerships has been central to our progress.
One of our key milestones this year was the deepening of relationships with critical stakeholders across the health sector. By engaging key players from the private sector, government, and philanthropic organizations, we have fostered partnerships that have been instrumental in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing healthcare challenges. These collaborations have not only driven impactful policy advocacy but have also contributed significantly to transforming primary healthcare services, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to affordable, high-quality care.
As part of our commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria, we actively engaged stakeholders through strategic dialogues, thought leadership platforms, and recognition initiatives. In 2024, the PSHAN Annual Conference brought together industry experts to discuss critical healthcare issues, while our Gala & Awards Night celebrated individuals and organizations driving excellence in the sector. Additionally, we facilitated high-impact discussions that amplified key healthcare priorities, strengthening collaborations and enhancing efforts to fortify Nigeria’s healthcare systems.
The challenges ahead remain significant, but with a shared vision and sustained collaboration, we are confident in our ability to drive lasting impact. I invite you to explore this report, gain insights into our journey, and join us in shaping a healthier future for Nigeria
PSHAN at 10
BEYOND A DECADE OF SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), founded by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Jim Ovia (CFR), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (CFR, FCIB), and other business leaders, has based its strategic approach on the premise that the vibrant and fast growing private corporate sector in Nigeria with its business techniques, innovative approaches, influence, reach, resources, and capabilities can yield huge gains in the health sector, if harnesed strategically and aligned to government’s priorities. Launched in 2010 as Private Sector Round Table for Health in Nigeria (PSRHN) with a signed partnership agreement, initially focusing on Polio and Malaria, the alliance was formally endorsed as PSHAN, a high-level platform for the mobilisation of business and corporate leaders towards improving health outcomes in 2012. The organisation was formally incorporated on 21st January 2014. PSHAN has undertaken laudable projects in its advancement of healthcare. A few notable projects include:
• Africa Resource Centre for Supply Chain
• Healthcare Leadership Academy
• Nigeria Health Innovation Marketplace
• Nigeria Healthcare Quality Initiative (NHQI)
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON Founding Patron, PSHAN
HARNESSING PRIVATE SECTOR SOLUTIONS FOR A HEALTHIER NIGERIA
As Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) marks its 10th anniversary, it presents an opportunity for reflection—not just on how far we have come, but on the urgent need to do more. The role of the private sector in shaping Nigeria’s healthcare landscape cannot be overstated. From mobilizing resources to deploying innovative solutions, businesses have the responsibility to drive impactful change in the health sector.
Over the past decade, PSHAN has demonstrated what strategic private sector collaboration can achieve. Through initiatives like the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), we have seen firsthand how targeted investments can strengthen primary healthcare systems, ensuring that millions of Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities, have access to quality care. But the work is far from done.
Sustainable healthcare requires continuous investment, innovation, and commitment from the private sector. I call on business leaders, corporate institutions, and high-net-worth individuals to take action—not just as philanthropists, but as strategic partners in shaping Nigeria’s health future. A healthier nation is a more productive and prosperous one, and by working together, we can ensure that the next decade of PSHAN delivers even greater impact than the first.
Journey in 2024
PROGRAMMES & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS
At PSHAN, we have developed significant expertise in supporting innovative programmes and creating sustainable financial mechanisms. This includes domestic resource mobilisation efforts aimed at addressing the critical shortage of resources in maternal, newborn, and child healthcare systems. By working with various stakeholders, PSHAN is focused on closing gaps in healthcare delivery, ensuring that financial and technical resources are effectively utilised to create lasting impacts.
Through various targeted initiatives, PSHAN is leveraging private sector resources and collaborations to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. We continue to implement series of impactful programmes designed to make a real difference in the lives of Nigerians.
• Commitment to Child Spacing Services: In 2024, PSHAN committed to investing ₦3.87 billion (approx. $2.3 million) to improve access to child spacing services across Nigeria by 2034. Announced at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Family Planning Conference held December 2 – 6, 2024, this groundbreaking commitment underscored PSHAN’s dedication to addressing critical gaps in FP services through sustainable private-sector engagement and innovative solutions.
Through the ADHFP initiative, PSHAN aims to establish world-class primary health facilities in all 774 local government areas in Nigeria over a 10-year period. These facilities will provide integrated health services, including access to quality family planning services, focusing particularly on women, girls, and their families in rural and underserved areas. The ADHFP is set to serve 50,000 individuals annually and impact 30 million women and girls by 2030, contributing significantly to improving maternal and reproductive health nationwide.
• Shaping Equitable Market Access (SEMA) Projects: Through the SEMA project, PSHAN increased the availability of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) products by shaping the reproductive health markets, impacting the lives of over 12 million women and girls, fostering greater male involvement in family planning decisions and collectively reduced maternal mortality rates by 30% in target communities.
PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION INITIATIVES
PSHAN, MTNF SIGN AGREEMENT TO REVIVE 52 PHCS IN NIGERIA
PSHAN signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with MTN Foundation (MTNF) to revitalise 52 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the country. The partnership aims to upgrade primary healthcare centres across Nigeria, with a commitment of ₦2.2 billion to be invested in community development under the “What Can We Do Together” (WCWDT) initiative. While the MTN Foundation will commit to upgrading and equipping the facilities, PSHAN will ensure the projects’ sustainability and that they deliver a lasting impact on the communities.
WHO, PSHAN PARTNER TO ACCELERATE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE REVITALISATION IN NIGERIA
With a shared vision to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria, PSHAN signed a Project Collaboration Agreement with World Health Organisation (WHO) under the “Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme” (ADHFP). The signing ceremony by WHO Representative in Nigeria Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo and MD/CEO of PSHAN, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, took place on 4th April 2024 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and was witnessed by the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate and the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina.
Under the MoU, WHO and PSHAN will work together to identify priority areas for intervention, assess healthcare facilities in need of support, mobilise resources to implement targeted interventions, track results of achievements, and document best practices for ongoing learning and scale-up.
WHO, PSHAN PARTNER TO ACCELERATE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE REVITALISATION IN NIGERIA
A similar Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) was held at the Civic Centre, Lagos. This event provided an opportunity for private sector stakeholders in Lagos to witness the ceremony firsthand and show their support for our collaborative efforts with WHO.
NIGERIA’S HEALTHCARE SECTOR GETS BOOST AS PSHAN, AIG-IMOUKHUEDE FOUNDATION UNVEIL RENOVATED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a philanthropic organisation committed to increasing access to primary healthcare across Africa, in partnership with Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) and Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EdoSPHCDA) successfully revitalised four Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Edo state.
The newly renovated facilities – Atoruru PHC, Uteh PHC, Evbodia PHC and Idunmwunvgha PHC located in Owan West, Ikpoba Okha, Oredo, and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas respectively, are equipped with modern facilities and essential medical supplies, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services for the residents of the communities.
The renovated PHCs were commissioned on September 13, 2024, marking a major milestone in the Adopt-a-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP). This initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility and quality in underserved communities. Dignitaries at the commissioning ceremony included Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly; Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, Executive Secretary, Edo State PHCDA; and Hon. Ahonsi Dickson, Chairman, Owan West LGA, among others.
HOW FOUNDATION’S TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY IN HEALTHCARE
The Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe Foundation’s (HOW Foundation) contributions to healthcare have been nothing short of transformative. The adoption of 23 primary healthcare centers across Rivers State under the ADHFP initiative, stands as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all. By expanding access to medical services, HOW Foundation keeps laying the groundwork for healthier, more resilient communities.
SGBV: PSHAN, WARIF PARTNER TO ENHANCE JUSTICE, IMPROVE WELLBEING OF SURVIVORS
PSHAN partnered with the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), to enhance justice system and improve the wellbeing of survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
In bridging this gap, WARIF’s Forensic Medical Examination Awareness initiative through the Adopt-A-Healthcare- Facility Programme (ADHFP) by PSHAN, partnered to improve the capacity of healthcare workforce on Forensic Medical Examination as part of the post-incident care to survivors. The impact of the initiative is evident in improved SGBV service delivery among healthcare workers in ADHFPrevitalised PHCs, and empowered survivors who now seek and access services within their communities and at specialised SARC like the WARIF Centre through referrals from the PHCS.
BudgiT PARTNERS PSHAN TO IMPROVE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA
PSHAN and BudgiT Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving healthcare system in Nigeria. The MoU which was signed in Lagos will open a new era of accountability and efficiency within the primary healthcare space utilising a three-pronged approach: community engagement, local government participation, and state government intervention.
While BudgiT will channel its technology and data-driven platform with its broad network of trained volunteer community-based respondents to track and monitor interventions across PHCs in Nigeria, PSHAN will engage BudgiT’s data to deliver targeted interventions to PHC facilities across Nigeria.
EVENTS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PSHAN hosted its annual conference, themed “Harnessing Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria’s Evolving Health Insurance Landscape.” The conference hybrid event took place over two days, with a physical gathering on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, and a virtual session on Thursday, June 27th, 2024.
Speakers and panelists emphasized the pivotal role of private sector solutions in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), highlighting inefficiencies in government budgeting and resource wastage, the need to increase health revenue allocation, and a strategic national financing framework. Furthermore, distinguished speakers elaborated on the need for technology integration, especially blockchain, to enhance the national referral system whilst integrating social and private health insurance packages and treating the health sector as an economic sector to improve life expectancy and health outcomes.
The PSHAN 2024 Annual Conference successfully highlighted the role of the private sector in driving Nigeria towards UHC, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies, effective policies, and robust collaborations.
PSHAN PERISCOPE
As part of our commitment to advancing innovation in healthcare, PSHAN hosted a thought-provoking webinar in collaboration with American Business Council on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Enhancing the Quality of Healthcare Delivery”. The session explored AI’s potential to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility in diagnostics and treatment.
Discussions centered on the potential of AI to reduce healthcare costs by improving diagnosis and treatment, thereby minimizing repeat visits and associated expenses. Experts also explored how AI can optimise human resources, improve workforce training, and address critical shortages in the healthcare sector.
PSHAN ANNUAL GALA AND AWARDS NIGHT
The 2024 PSHAN Annual Gala & Awards Night was an unforgettable event, honouring individuals and organizations driving significant change in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Civic Centre Lagos, the gala and awards night gathered key stakeholders from across the country—business leaders, government officials, global health experts, philanthropists, and NGOs—who share a vision of improving health outcomes in Nigeria.
