The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) have launched a joint initiative called the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP) . Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, announced at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja during the Project Collaboration Signing Ceremony with PSHAN that their goal is to set up a top-quality Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria. The project will follow the standards set by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Additionally, he mentioned that WHO will offer technical support to both PSHAN and the NPHCDA during the project implementation, with a focus on enhancing capabilities, compliance with standards, accountability, and cost-effectiveness. The collaboration aligns with the WHO’s assistance to Nigeria outlined in the 4th Generation Nigeria Country Cooperation Strategy (CCSIV). This strategy will steer their dedication and funding for the next four years to guarantee inclusivity, in line with the principles of GPW13 and the upcoming GPW14.
Private sector investment will be enhanced for service delivery.
He remains optimistic as he outlines the ambitious programme. The goal of PSHAN is to set up a minimum of one top-notch primary healthcare centre in every single one of the local government areas, adhering to the standards set by the NPHCDA. Mulombo emphasised that he hopes the programme will not only focus on setting up PHC facilities but also aim to enhance the quality of service through Private Sector investment. He stressed the importance of collaboration among government and stakeholders to create a unified and robust PHC systems that can effectively handle infectious diseases and outbreaks.
According to him, the initiative is focused on enhancing crucial primary healthcare systems by investing in retaining a skilled and motivated health workforce at the PHC level, providing essential medicines, vaccines, and equipment, utilising appropriate technology, and having pooled funds to cover primary healthcare costs for all citizens. The goal is to ensure equal access to health care services without payment at the point of use while also prioritising resource allocation for those most in need and monitoring progress through a proactive and evidence-based approach.
Healthcare system that meets the needs of the community will be provided.
In addition, Tinuola Akinbolagbe, who serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PSHAN, further emphasised the importance of the initiative in uniting the varied knowledge, assets, and viewpoints of public and private organisations, educational institutions, non-profit groups as well as global entities. In her statement, she also stated the importance of the programme in their partnership. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on creating uniformly designed healthcare centres across the country, as previously outlined.
Their goal is to establish a healthcare system that meets the needs of the community by investing in resources, empowering local groups, and driving change from the ground up. By focusing on building capacity, implementing new strategies, and supporting innovative services, they are working towards a more adaptable, effective, and all-encompassing healthcare environment. The partnership between WHO and PSHAN marks a major achievement in their shared goal of improving healthcare services through primary healthcare delivery.
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By joining forces, they aim to utilise the unique abilities and assets of each partner to tackle urgent health issues and enhance health results nationwide. Collaboration in healthcare is essential for providing comprehensive and effective care to patients. By collaborating, healthcare professionals can share their expertise, knowledge, and resources to develop personalised care plans that address the specific needs and preferences of each patient. This can lead to improved health outcomes, reduced medical errors, and better coordination of care across different disciplines and settings.