By Muhammad Amaan
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has signed a partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) to accelerate primary healthcare revitalisation towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health security in Nigeria.
The partnership, which is under the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP) is also geared towards establishing at least one global-standard Primary Healthcare Centre in each of the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
The ADHFP is to ensure that private sector investment is directed towards improving the standards of service delivery, including primary emergency care.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo explained that the partnership is consistent with the WHO offer to Nigeria as encapsulated in the fourth Generation Nigeria Country Cooperation Strategy over the next four years.
According to him, the programme will also ensure that the efforts of the government and stakeholders are integrated to avoid fragmentation and ensure sustainable and resilient PHC systems to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases and outbreaks.
“The ADHFP will also ensure adequate investments are made to strengthen critical primary healthcare systems such as retention of skilled and motivated health workforce at the PHC level; essential medicines, vaccines, and commodities; appropriate infrastructure and equipment; as well as appropriate technology.
“Also, it will ensure pooled funds cover PHC so that all citizens would access PHC services free at the point of service use while paying attention to equitable resource allocation and prioritisation of those most in need; proactive and scientific effort is made to track progress from the baseline,” he said.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PSHAN, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, on his part said the partnership will harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment in the pursuit of sustainable primary healthcare systems.
She stated that the significance of a strategic partnership of this kind cannot be overemphasized, adding, “By bringing together the diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives of the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and international organisations, we lay the foundation for a holistic approach to healthcare delivery.
“Through synergistic collaboration and shared commitment, we have the potential to surmount the barriers that have long hindered progress and unlock new pathways towards equitable access, quality healthcare, and improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.
“At the core of our partnership lies the visionary ADHFP, a flagship initiative aimed at establishing globally standardised PHCs across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas. This initiative embodies our collective resolve to bridge the gap between healthcare demand and supply, empower local communities, and catalyze systemic change from the grassroots up.
“Through targeted investments, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative approaches to service delivery, we aim to create a healthcare ecosystem that is resilient, responsive, and inclusive.”
Akinbolagbe further said the collaboration signifies a significant milestone in the collective efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through primary healthcare delivery.
