Stakeholders Seek Public-Private Partnerships on Health

L-R: Clare Omatseye(IPP of West Africa Healthcare Federation) Dr. Salma Anas-Kolo(Special Assistants on Health to the President of Nigeria), Dr. Pamela Ajayi(President Healthcare Federation of Nigeria) and Mrs Njide Ndili(Vice President Healthcare Federation of Nigeria)

Stakeholders in the health sector have highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in achieving universal health coverage.

They made this known at the inaugural West African high-level policy conference on health organised by the West African Private Health Federation in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with the theme “Advancing the public-private dialogue to achieve UHC in West Africa.”

The stakeholders affirmed that PPP can aid positive healthcare delivery in West Africa.

The statement made available to our correspondent noted that the conference brought together eight West African private health federations, uniting stakeholders to address critical challenges and foster collaboration in the region’s healthcare sector.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim emphasised the focus areas of the new administration, highlighting the significance of private sector engagement.

The President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Dr Pamela Ajayi shared her practical experience on the growth of HFN and its support to the government through advocacy, collaboration, and enabling private sector engagement.

Dr Ajayi demonstrated positive outcomes and successful interventions highlighting how policy discussions can shape legislative agendas, and promote policies that facilitate private sector participation.

Also, the Vice President of HFN, Njide Ndili said enabling policies can facilitate PPP.

Ndili stressed the importance of strategic purchasing, governance, and sustainability, acknowledging the private sector’s efficiency and its ability to support government initiatives toward achieving UHC.

The statement noted that the West African Private Health Federation, alongside eight other federations, is embarking on a ‘Journey Towards Sustainability’ supported by USAID to strengthen the health sector across the eight West African countries and foster a resilient and efficient healthcare system.

“The conference serves as a milestone achievement, showcasing the commitment of the West African private health federations. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and highlighting successful models, the conference paves the way for a formidable health sector in the region, bringing us closer to the vision of UHC.

“Notable members of the Nigerian delegation included the Chief Executive Officer/Director General of the Nigeria Health Insurance Authority, Prof Mohammed Nasir Sambo, and the Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Ben Nkechika.

“They both shared insights on the success of public-private partnerships at the primary healthcare level, emphasising its impact on healthcare delivery. Others include the Health Specialist at World Bank, Dr Olumide Okunola, and Dr Uchechukwu Nwoku from the Federal Ministry of Health,” it read in part.

July 13, 2023