From vision to reality: Unlocking health prosperity and universal health coverage in Nigeria

Watch the event here:

We hosted a panel discussion in Nigeria to celebrate our 30th anniversary on 6 September 2023. The event, which discussed how to unlock health prosperity and universal health coverage in Nigeria, wrapped up a year of global anniversary celebrations to mark this important milestone.

Participants included:

• Salma Ibrahim Anas –  Special Adviser on health to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• Prof. Mohammed Nasir Sambo – Director General/CEO, National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA)
• Onoriode Ezire - Senior Health Specialist, The World Bank
• Dr. Ebere Anyachukwu – Health Commissioner, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Oritseweyimi Ogbe - Program Lead, BHCPF, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA)
• Nura Ibrahim – Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Jigawa State
• Dr John Onyeokoro – Former, Executive Secretary, Imo State Health Insurance Agency
• Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed  from the National Troupe of Nigeria
  Professor Oladapo Ladipo - President/CEO Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)
• Amina Shuaibu Kazaure from the Kaduna State Accountability Maternal Newborn and Child Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM)
• Dr. Nkata Chuku - Health Economist/Founding Partner, HSCL Group
• Dr. Ufuoma Festus Omo-Obi, Regional Director, West and Central Africa, Options Consultancy Services
• Joy Uzoho, Senior Consultant, Health Systems and Financing, Options Consultancy Services

This gathering brought together a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare experts, civil society advocates, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving universal health coverage and health prosperity in Nigeria.

Participants recognised the potential of public-private partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery and the significance of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as a pivotal instrument in achieving UHC in Nigeria, with its primary objective being the improvement of access to essential healthcare services for all citizens.

Participants also noted the critical role that sound public financial management plays in the success of health programmes, and acknowledge the need for prudent fiscal practices, transparency, and accountability. Nigerians can get more health from existing financing mechanisms.

We call upon all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organisations, the private sector, and development partners, to commit to the implementation of these recommendations. Achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria is a shared responsibility that demands sustained efforts, collaboration, and innovation.