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Leading voices in healthcare policy and implementation gathered in commemoration of the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) day to advocate for quality healthcare as the foundation for achieving UHC in the country. Convened by the Nigeria UHC Forum, the event provided a platform to highlight successes, challenges, and actionable strategies for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The high-profile event brought together key decision-makers, including the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; Commissioner for Health, Yobe State, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana; Commissioner for Health, Nasarawa State, Dr. Gaza Gwamna; Chief of Party, USAID LHSS Project, Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye; Country Director of PharmAccess, Mrs. Njide Ndili; Senior Health Specialist, World Bank, Dr Olumide Okunola; Managing Partner of DGI Consult and Co-Convener of the Nigeria UHC Forum; Dr. Gafar Alawode; amongst others.
The event also saw attendance from representatives of civil society organizations, healthcare practitioners, development partners, government officials, and other stakeholders committed to advancing the UHC agenda in Nigeria.
Giving her welcome address, the convener of the Nigeria UHC Forum, Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in the journey toward UHC. She called for a unified approach that harnesses the expertise of both public and private sector players, emphasizing that the health needs of Nigeria’s citizens must remain the foremost priority in policymaking and implementation. “The journey to UHC requires not just policies but practical, on-the-ground solutions that put people at the center of care,” she stated.
In his presentation, the DG of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, emphasized the critical role that quality of care plays in advancing UHC in Nigeria. He discussed the NHIA’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships with organizations like the PharmAccess, to standardize care across the system. Dr. Ohiri said: “ensuring accredited facilities deliver consistent, high-quality care is fundamental to building trust in the health insurance system and improving overall health outcomes.”
Dr. Ohiri also called attention to the need for political will in driving reforms, urging stakeholders to adopt an evidence-based approach to health planning and resource mobilization. He commended the Forum for creating a platform to address these pressing issues, describing it as a cornerstone for catalyzing change in Nigeria’s health sector.
Delivering a presentation, the Country Director of PharmAccess, Mrs. Njide Ndili, began by emphasizing a key point: “When we advocate for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), we often focus on access, but quality is of the utmost importance.” She shared the success story of FMC Ebute Metta, where targeted investments in skills, infrastructure, and processes, guided by the SafeCare methodology, led to transformative improvements in healthcare delivery. Mrs. Ndili stressed that while increasing access is crucial, without ensuring quality, UHC efforts will be unsustainable.
She said: “Quality healthcare hinges on a combination of skilled personnel, proper equipment, and established clinical protocols. This focus on quality has not only enhanced health outcomes but also significantly boosted patient trust, leading to an increase of unique patients at FMC Ebute Metta from 70,000 in 2018 to over 211,000 in 2022. It also translated to over 2000% increase in annual revenue. This growth illustrates that high-quality care not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens the financial sustainability of healthcare facilities.”
Representing Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai commended the UHC Forum for its consistency and impact in advancing Nigeria’s UHC agenda. He highlighted the importance of partnerships between the government and civil society organizations in ensuring accountability and improving healthcare outcomes. Dr. Yakasai emphasized the federal government’s commitment to aligning health policies with the President’s vision for achieving UHC while addressing gaps in implementation.
The event also featured a highly engaging panel discussion themed “Breaking the Barriers and Harnessing Potentials to Actualise Nigeria’s UHC Quest.” The discussion delved into the various challenges hindering progress towards UHC, such as inadequate infrastructure, funding gaps, and workforce shortages, while exploring actionable solutions. Panelists emphasized the need for stronger public-private partnerships, better resource allocation, and enhanced political will to overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s health system.
The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize quality improvement in healthcare as a sustainable pathway to UHC. From enhancing primary healthcare delivery to leveraging public-private partnerships, participants agreed that achieving UHC in Nigeria requires concerted efforts, innovative solutions, and a commitment to equity in healthcare access.
