• To establish globally-standardised PHCS across 774 councils
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has signed a partnership agreement with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) for the establishment of globally standardised Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria’s 774 local councils under the “Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP).
Under the agreement, private sector investment would mobilised and directed towards improving the standards of service delivery including primary emergency care.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), yesterday, in Abuja, WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo said that the move would ensure that effort of government and all stakeholders were integrated to avoid fragmentation and ensure sustainable and resilient PHC systems to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases and outbreaks.
Mulombo stated that through the partnership, adequate investments would be made to strengthen critical primary healthcare systems such as retention skilled and motivated health workforce at the PHC level; essential medicines, vaccines, and commodities; appropriate infrastructure and equipment; as well as appropriate technology.
According to him, the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP), “PSHAN aims to establish, at least, one global-standard Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils, which is in line with the guidelines of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Mulombo noted that the partnership will be a catalyst for PHC revitalisation and meaningful engagement of the private sector so together, we can promote health, provide health, and protect the health of all Nigerians for greater economic development.
Earlier, the MD/CEO, Private Sector Health0 Alliance of Nigeria, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe explained that Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP), “is a flagship initiative aimed at establishing globally-standardized Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria’s 774 local councils.”
She observed that the initiative embodies collective resolve to bridge the gap between healthcare demand and supply, empower local communities, and catalyze systemic change from the grassroots up adding that through targeted investments, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative approaches to service delivery, both organizations aim to create a healthcare ecosystem that is resilient, responsive, and inclusive.
Akinbolagbe noted that PSHAN and the WHO recognize the profound challenges facing the healthcare system in Nigeria adding that the country grapples with hurdles in providing equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its people.
She stressed that inadequate primary healthcare infrastructure, limited access to essential healthcare services, and persistent health inequalities highlight the urgent need for concerted action, stressing that they will harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment in our pursuit of sustainable primary healthcare systems.
She said, “The collaboration between WHO and PSHAN signifies a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through primary Health Care delivery. 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.Through synergistic collaboration and shared commitment, we have the potential to surmount the barriers that have long hindered progress and unlock new pathways towards equitable access, quality healthcare, and improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.”
