In a significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) convened key government officials, healthcare leaders, and international experts for a landmark healthcare policy dialogue aimed at fostering public-private collaboration. PharmAccess played a crucial role in facilitating this vital event, which focused on implementing the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in healthcare.
The dialogue featured impactful addresses from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, underscoring the significance of the gathering and highlighting a confluence of Nigeria’s top health policymakers and influential healthcare leaders, all dedicated to advancing the nation’s healthcare agenda.
Other key attendees included the Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji; the Director of Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab, Prof. Ilona Kickbusch; and the President of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health and CEO of HealthAI, Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite. Also present were the Director of Health Systems at PharmAccess Amsterdam, Mr. Kwasi Boahene; the Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, Mrs. Njide Ndili; representatives from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON); and several commissioners, legislators, and prominent leaders from the private sector.
During the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the vital role of public-private partnerships in tackling Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. He pointed out pressing issues, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and the shortage of healthcare professionals. “Public-private partnerships are essential to realizing the health sector we aspire to,” he remarked. Prof. Pate urged for cooperative efforts between the government and private stakeholders to foster innovation, lower costs, and improve healthcare delivery, all of which are crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his introductory keynote, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa emphasized the government’s multi-pillar strategy to reform the healthcare sector, highlighting the necessity of utilizing accurate health data to inform policy decisions. “We must leverage technology and data analytics to improve health outcomes across the nation,” he asserted, advocating for a unified approach to healthcare governance. He also participated in a panel discussion on “Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Health & Effective Use of Generated Data to Improve the Health System,” where he answered questions on the role of digital health solutions and data analytics in streamlining healthcare delivery.
In his presentation, Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite discussed the future of healthcare with a focus on better outcomes, quality of life, and well-being for all. He highlighted the need for a shift in the approach to healthcare, stressing the importance of embracing artificial intelligence, effective policies, and impactful investments. Dr. Leite remarked that current health systems function more like “disease systems,” as they are reactive, responding mainly to disease outbreaks and illness. He emphasized that continuously pumping money into such a system is unsustainable, calling for a more proactive, preventive approach.
In her goodwill message, Director of Digital Transformations for Health (DTH) Lab, Prof. Ilona Kickbusch, advocated for a comprehensive approach to digital transformation that emphasizes youth engagement, addresses the digital divide, promotes mental health, and ensures robust governance to protect health and well-being in the digital era. She underscored that digital technology is not only a tool for enhancing healthcare delivery but also a new determinant of health. Prof. Kickbusch called for a “reimagining” of public health and universal health coverage, particularly in light of the digital divide and its implications for mental health.
She highlighted the necessity of involving young people in shaping Nigeria’s digital health landscape, given that over half of the Nigerian population is under 19. Mental health, health insurance, and sexual and reproductive health are critical priorities for youth, and she stressed the need for investment in digital health literacy for young Nigerians. Furthermore, she advocated for a solidarity-based approach to data governance to prevent digital practices that could harm health.
In her welcome address, the President of HFN, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, emphasized the need for a policy dialogue of this nature to address pressing healthcare challenges. “This dialogue provides an essential platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers,” she stated, highlighting the significance of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in ensuring that development efforts align with national priorities.
The dialogue featured three crucial panels, each addressing key healthcare challenges. The first panel, Optimising Healthcare Governance for Effective Policy Implementation and Resource Utilisation, explored governance strategies to enhance the efficiency of health policies. The second panel, One Plan: Overcoming Barriers in Implementation, focused on the obstacles to effective health policy execution, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts. The third panel, Accelerating the Adoption of Digital Health and Effective Use of Generated Data to Improve the Health System, delved into the role of digital health and data analytics in streamlining healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
As the proud headline sponsor of this dialogue, PharmAccess is dedicated to driving healthcare innovation and strengthening public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Committed to improving access to quality health services, PharmAccess actively supports initiatives aligned with the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, PharmAccess aims to create sustainable improvements in health systems and outcomes for the Nigerian population.