PSHAN, WHO, Partner To Advance ADHFP Initiative In Nigeria

The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have collaborated to advance the Adopt a Health facility Programme (ADHFP).

The ADHFP was launched with an innovative financing mechanism, aimed at establishing globally standardized Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas with the support of our Adopters and Strategic Partners.

The initiative embodies PSHAN ‘s collective resolve to bridge the gap between healthcare demand and supply, empower local communities, rebuild trust in the Nigerian healthcare system and catalyze systemic change at the grassroots.

The managing director/chief executive officer, PSHAN Tinuola Akinbolagbe, at the project collaboration signing ceremony between PSHAN and WHO, in Lagos, said, Nigeria, despite her rich potential and abundant resources like many low-and-middle income countries, grapples with hurdles in providing equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its people.

“Inadequate primary healthcare infrastructure, limited access to essential healthcare services and persistent health inequalities highlight the urgent need for concerted action. Our statistics on maternal mortality, infant mortality, communicable and non- communicable diseases further emphasize the need for systemic reform and strategic intervention,” Akinbolagbe highlighted.

Yet, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity to forge transformative partnerships, galvanize collective action, and chart a course towards sustainable change, the CEO stated, adding that, “Today, as we gather under the auspices of PSHAN and the WHO, we seize this opportunity to harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment in our pursuit of sustainable primary healthcare systems and unlock new pathways towards equitable access, quality healthcare, and improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.’’

Harping on the partnership, Akinbolagbe disclosed that PSHAN embarked on this journey with a profound sense of purpose and urgency, adding that. “As we roll out and activate new PHCs across Nigeria in partnership with our Adopters and Partners, we have already made notable strides in the health indices of the communities we serve, and we seek to accelerate this progress. Together, we have the power to shape a future where healthcare is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, accessible to all, irrespective of socio-economic status or geographical location.”

Reiterating the importance of this collaboration, WHO Nigeria representative and head of mission, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, added, “Our partnership with PSHAN marks a significant agreement to provide technical support and mobilize resources for implementing targeted interventions in primary care programmes and services, facilitated by private-sector involvement.

“Together, we will establish global-standard primary healthcare centres as models for others to follow. We will collaborate to identify priority areas for intervention, assess healthcare facilities in need of support, implement targeted interventions, track achievements, and document best practices for ongoing learning and scalability. This comprehensive approach ensures that our efforts complement government initiatives and drive significant improvements in health outcomes across Nigeria.”