Christian Association, Equity Health, Partner On Primary Care

Equity Health Group, in partnership with the Northern Christian Association (NCA) has launched a major initiative to expand access to primary healthcare through the deployment of 1,000 containerised clinics across Nigeria, with a strong focus on underserved communities in the North.

The project, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Rev. John Hayab for the NCA and Dr. Princess Ibe for Equity Health Group, is aimed at bridging the healthcare access gap in rural and hard-to-reach areas where functional medical facilities remain scarce.

Under the initiative, each containerised clinic will provide essential primary healthcare services, including basic consultations, maternal and child care, vaccinations, diagnostic services, and telemedicine-enabled consultations designed to connect patients with healthcare professionals remotely.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Ibe said the project underscores the organisation’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery through innovation.

“This initiative is about expanding access to quality primary healthcare by combining physical infrastructure with digital health solutions and insurance coverage,”.

Northern Nigeria has been prioritised due to its significant healthcare infrastructure deficit and low doctor-to-patient ratio.

Stakeholders say the use of containerised clinics offers a flexible and scalable solution, enabling rapid deployment even in areas with poor infrastructure and security challenges.

Rev. Hayab noted that faith-based institutions would play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the initiative. “Our network across communities will help drive grassroots reach and ensure that these services get to those who need them most,” he said.

The project also integrates technology and insurance components, with Doktorconnect providing telemedicine services, while United International HMO will offer affordable health insurance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.