Advancing Preventive Healthcare, A Remedy For Nigeria’s Out-of-Pocket Crisis

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, ranging from underfunded infrastructure to a growing burden of chronic diseases. These issues, combined with the high cost of treatment, have left millions struggling to afford quality care.

For instance, in Nigeria, out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for more than 70 percent of healthcare financing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This heavy reliance on personal funds often forces families into debt or neglecting care altogether. For conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, late diagnosis and inadequate management not only worsen outcomes but also increase treatment costs exponentially.

Stakeholders have however argue that a shift toward preventive healthcare could alleviate these challenges by emphasizing early detection, intervention, and health education. This perspective was a focal point during the inauguration of Cerba Lancet Nigeria, a state-of-the-art diagnostic facility in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos state commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, highlighted the importance of diagnostic testing in shaping treatment strategies and reducing the risks of polypharmacy and antimicrobial misuse. „Testing before treatment is crucial. Using laboratories to define treatment strategies ensures that we avoid issues with the overuse of antimicrobials, malaria drugs, and antibiotics, all while addressing the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance,“ Abayomi stated.

Abayomi stated that having the facility in Lagos would help address the issue of out-of-pocket expenditure and antimicrobial resistance, as the facility is a reliable facility that can not only confirm diagnoses like malaria and bacterial infections but also conduct sensitivity tests to determine the most appropriate antibiotics. He called on Cerba Lancet to expand their local testing capacity in Nigeria to reduce turnaround times for results. „We need to build this capacity locally, which will help improve our response times and reduce reliance on sending tests abroad,“ he added.

Beyond diagnostic testing, Abayomi stressed the importance of addressing the country’s healthcare workforce challenges, particularly the ongoing brain drain. He highlighted Lagos state’s efforts to mitigate this issue, including the establishment of a University of Medicine and Health Sciences aimed at producing a new generation of medical professionals, from doctors to bioinformaticians. „By creating an environment that provides fitting workplaces and appropriate remuneration, we can help stem the tide of brain drain while boosting our healthcare capacity,“ he explained.

The commissioner also mentioned the role of the Lagos State regulatory agency, the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), in ensuring the quality of healthcare services across the state. He reassured Cerba Lancet that HEFAMAA‘s regulatory framework would not only protect well-established facilities but also combat quackery in the sector, thereby ensuring more business for legitimate healthcare providers.

Abayomi therefore congratulated Cerba Lancet for their ongoing contributions to the state‘s healthcare initiatives, reaffirming that such partnerships are critical in shaping a more robust and sustainable healthcare system focused on preventive care.

In the same vein, the minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the inauguration of Cerba Lancet Nigeria‘s new Laboratory in Lagos, – a world-class, ISO accredited, 24-hour private pathology lab in Lagos, is a game-changer for Nigerians seeking healthcare, as it will provide timely, accurate diagnostics and expert pathology services to all.

Alausa commended the CEO of Cerba Lancet Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi Dawodu and her team for their visionary leadership in advancing diagnostic healthcare across Nigeria, while challenging her to push the needle by partnering with Medical Schools and universities to offer residency programmes. „Let‘s work together to improve healthcare outcomes and advance medical research for a healthier Nigeria,“ he added.

The group CEO of Cerba Lancet Africa, Matthieu Gogue, said, „There are enormous healthcare needs in Africa, especially in Nigeria. This is not the conclusion of our journey; it is the beginning of a new chapter. Our commitment is to continue investing in technology and skills to enhance the quality and speed of diagnostics, giving confidence to healthcare stakeholders.“

Cerba Lancet Africa’s ambition is to deliver uniform diagnostic quality across all its laboratories, whether in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, or global hubs like Paris and New York. “What you see in our labs here is on par with the best in the world,” Gogue assured attendees, highlighting their use of state-of-the-art equipment and the inclusion of pathologists in their teams. The group CEO underscored the company’s focus on patient-centered care, stating, “We are not just running a business; we are managing lives. Every decision we make must reflect the immense impact we have on patients and their families.“

Operating in 14 countries across Africa and employing over 1,000 medical practitioners, Cerba Lancet Africa is committed to decentralizing diagnostics. This includes relocating tests previously sent abroad and expanding the portfolio of tests available locally. Gogue explained that this strategy not only enhances accessibility but also ensures faster results, crucial for life-altering medical decisions.

The CEO, Cerba Lancet Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi Dawodu, disclosed a strategic shift in the company‘s healthcare approach, emphasizing preventive care alongside traditional pathology services. She highlighted the increasing importance of preventive healthcare, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, while emphasizing that early detection through regular health checks could significantly reduce the burden on the healthcare system and improve the nation’s overall health outcomes.

By detecting conditions like hypertension and diabetes early, Cerba Lancet aims to prevent the development of more complex and costly diseases. Preventive healthcare is crucial not only for individual health but also for the nation’s economy. As more than 70 percent of Nigerians pay out-of-pocket for healthcare, preventing diseases could help alleviate the financial strain on individuals and the healthcare system,“ she stated.

Dawodu outlined partnerships with Health Management Organizations (HMOs) to make preventive care more accessible and affordable. „In addition to our corporate partnerships, Cerba Lancet is also reaching underserved communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, offering screenings and referrals in collaboration with local primary healthcare centers. Through these efforts, Cerba Lancet Nigeria aims to lead the charge in transforming the country’s healthcare landscape, prioritizing preventive health and working to extend the average Nigerian lifespan beyond the current 54 years,“ she stated.