By Gbenga Salau and Ngozi Egenuka
To accelerate access to quality primary healthcare delivery for improved health outcomes, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have partnered to build 774 modern primary healthcare centres nationwide.
The announcement was made yesterday at the official signing of the pact, themed: “Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP)” in Lagos. The initiative, which is to establish at least one global-standard Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils, aligns with guidelines of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Managing Director of PSHAN, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, emphasised importance of the strategic collaboration with WHO in uniting diverse stakeholders to achieve Universal Health Coverage and improve health outcomes nationwide.
She submitted: “This strategic partnership is significant and aligns with the sector-wide approach of the Federal Ministry of Health to healthcare delivery. By bringing together the diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives of the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and international agencies, we lay the foundation for realising UHC. With this partnership, we aim to leverage the strengths and resources of both partners to address pressing health challenges and improve health outcomes across the country.”
WHO Nigeria Representative and Head of Mission, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, noted that the organisation would adopt 37 primary healthcare centres in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the partnership marks a significant milestone to provide technical support and mobilise resources for implementing targeted interventions in primary care programmes and services, facilitated by private-sector involvement.
