In a landmark event, the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) successfully hosted a high-level healthcare policy dialogue in Abuja, focused on forging sustainable health system reforms through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Themed “Private Sector Support for SWAP (Sector-Wide Approach) in Healthcare,” this gathering brought together two distinguished ministers, key dignitaries, international experts, and influential healthcare leaders to chart a new course for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, underscored the essential role that public-private partnerships play in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. He highlighted critical issues such as the lack of infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and the need for more healthcare professionals. “To achieve the health sector we desire, public-private partnerships are a no-brainer,” he stated. Prof. Pate called for collaborative efforts between government and private stakeholders to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance healthcare service delivery, all key to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Also in attendance, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced a transformative multi-pillar strategy aimed at revamping Nigeria’s healthcare system, with a particular focus on data management and digitalisation. Dr. Alausa emphasized the need for accurate, actionable health data, proposing a standardised Patient Management Record (PMR) system to streamline data collection and improve service delivery across the country. “In the 21st century, we must ensure our data is accurate and actionable,” he remarked, stressing that integrating technology and healthcare is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The dialogue brought together healthcare policymakers, commissioners, legislators, and top private sector leaders under one roof, marking a historic moment for healthcare reform in Nigeria. Notable amongst others, was the presence of the Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji who gave a powerful goodwill message emphasizing the critical role that private sector plays in building a resilient health system. Also in attendance was the President of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health and CEO of HealthAI, Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, who delivered a keynote address on the future of healthcare, calling for a paradigm shift toward preventive care. He further highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in improving health outcomes.
In her welcome address, the President of HFN, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, underscored the critical role of the private sector in driving healthcare reform. She emphasized that this dialogue served as a platform for the private sector to engage directly with policymakers, focusing on advancing digital innovations, supporting governance systems, and developing funding strategies to accelerate the implementation of the National Health Act.
“Collaboration between all stakeholders is essential for building a cohesive and effective healthcare system,” Dr. Ajayi remarked. “The sector-wide approach (SWAp) is urgently needed to bring together government, donors, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders under a unified framework to ensure development efforts are coordinated and aligned with national priorities.”
Dr. Ajayi stressed the urgency of achieving UHC, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in the effective implementation of the SWAp initiative. “This dialogue is an essential step in exploring how the private sector can contribute to improving health outcomes across Nigeria,” she concluded.
In addition to the physical attendees, renowned international public health leader Prof. Ilona Kickbusch, who is widely recognized for her work in global health governance, joined virtually to deliver a goodwill message. Kickbusch who is also a Director of the Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to digital transformation. She underscored the importance of investing in digital health literacy for young Nigerians, noting that over half of the population is under 19. She commended HFN for its youth empowerment programs and encouraged HFN to keep involving young people in shaping Nigeria’s digital health system.
The dialogue featured three pivotal panels that addressed critical issues in the healthcare landscape: the first panel focused on Optimising Healthcare Governance for Effective Policy Implementation and Resource Utilisation, exploring best practices for governance structures that enhance the efficiency of health policies. The second panel, titled One Plan: Overcoming Barriers in Implementation, tackled existing challenges hindering effective health policy execution, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts. The third panel, Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Health & Effective Use of Generated Data to Improve the Health System, examined the role of digital health solutions and data analytics in streamlining healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
As part of its commitment to driving healthcare policy forward, HFN announced that the high-level policy dialogue will become an annual event. This ongoing platform will serve as a critical space for stakeholders to review progress, address challenges, and chart new paths for reform. By institutionalizing this event, HFN aims to foster continuous dialogue, strengthen public-private partnerships, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward UHC.
The collaborative efforts showcased during this policy dialogue represent a promising pathway toward transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system. With a focus on public-private collaboration, innovative solutions, and strategic investments, the event has laid the groundwork for achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
HFN extends its gratitude to its sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in making this event possible. The dialogue was supported by PharmAccess, Bridge Clinic, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Informa Markets, Results for Development (R4D), Nigeria Health Watch, JNC International, Iwosan Investments Limited, Tanit Medical Engineering, Healthy Entrepreneurs, and Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab.
HFN is an umbrella body for private-sector stakeholders dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria. As the leading advocate for private sector involvement in the healthcare industry, HFN plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, fostering partnerships, and driving innovations that enhance access to quality healthcare services for all Nigerians. HFN’s work spans regulatory advocacy, capacity building, and supporting national health initiatives, ensuring that the private sector is an integral partner in Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.