The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) to revamp primary healthcare through the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Program (ADHFP). This partnership marks a new chapter in improving healthcare delivery in the country. The agreement was formalized between the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, and the Managing Director/CEO of PSHAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe. This momentous occasion was attended by esteemed individuals including the Nigerian Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina.
This collaboration demonstrates a joint commitment to speed up funding and enhance the availability of high-quality primary healthcare (PHC) services in Nigeria, which is essential for achieving Universal Health Care Coverage (UHC) and ensuring health safety. In his keynote speech, Professor Pate commended the partnership between the two organizations and expressed gratitude towards the key stakeholders involved in the initiative that aligns with the government’s health transformation agenda. Prof. Pate urged WHO and PSHAN to focus on monitoring the advancements made in their new partnership and encouraged more collaboration from the Private Sector in the health field.
PHC is essential for providing health services for the people.
Prof. Pate noted the government’s focus on health and primary healthcare as essential for providing health services to the population. He urged the private sector to aid in this effort, with supervision from NPHCDA, the government agency responsible for advancing the primary healthcare priorities of the nation. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Representative to Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the collaboration between WHO and PSHAN to improve primary Healthcare in Nigeria and achieve Universal Health Coverage and health security.
He explained that this aligns with the SWAP agenda of the Federal Ministry of Health, which emphasizes a unified approach through one plan, budget, report, and conversation. It also aligns with the WHO’s dedication to the Nigerian Government outlined in the 4th Generation Nigeria Country Cooperation Strategy (CCSIV). This strategy will shape the country’s commitment and funding for the next 4 years to guarantee that everyone is included, in accordance with GPW13 and subsequent GPW14.
PSHAN is dedicated to aid Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Considering it crucial role as the backbone supporting member states in health matters, WHO is dedicated to offering continuous technical support to PSHAN and NPHCDA for this project. This commitment includes enhancing capabilities, following guidelines and standards, ensuring accountability, maximizing value, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge through creative funding approaches and evidence utilization, according to the official. During her welcome speech, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of PSHAN, showed great excitement for the partnership with WHO.
Akinbolagbe reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to assisting Nigeria’s healthcare sector in reaching UHC by utilizing the strengths, knowledge, and resources of both parties to tackle urgent health issues and enhance health results nationwide. The focal point of our collaboration is the groundbreaking ADHFP, which aims to set up internationally recognized primary healthcare centres in all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. Akinbolagbe added that the shared commitment is evident in this program as we work to connect healthcare needs with resources, support local communities, and drive fundamental change starting at the community level.
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She elaborated their goal of building a healthcare system that is adaptable, efficient, and welcoming through strategic funding, skill-building programs, and original strategies for providing services. According to the memorandum of understanding, WHO and PSHAN will collaborate to determine key areas for assistance, evaluate healthcare centres requiring aid, raise funds for specific projects, monitor progress, and record successful methods for continued improvement and expansion. This collaboration brings hope for solving intricate health challenges and enhancing health situational outcomes through innovative strategies, as the nation faces a wide range of health issues.