September 12, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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1 Tinubu meets King Charles III at Buckingham Palace

2 NBS report: Tinubu assures robust economy

3 Group uses drama to tackle child marriage in Abuja community

4 Why gas flaring persists in Nigeria – Expert

5 Enhance $700m SURWASH programme implementation, FG tells states

Health

African christians unveil universal health coverage plan

By Aderogba George

The 11th Biennial Conference of the Africa Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP) commenced in Abuja, with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) playing host.

The event, titled “The Journey to Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa: Experiences and Lessons from Faith Communities,” kicked off on February 26 and garnered support from several international organisations.

They include; CORUS International, Christian Connection for International Health (CCIH), IMA World Health, and Inter-Church Medical System.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the primary objective of the conference is to delve into the prevailing health issues affecting Africa.

The participants aim to formulate viable solutions while mapping out strategies to enhance healthcare services for the population.

Mr Daniel Speckhard, the President/Chief Executive Officer of CORUS International, emphasised the necessity of improving organisational capacities for Africa to successfully achieve UHC.

He highlighted the deployment of assessment tools to enable organisations to evaluate their performance objectively and address areas requiring improvement.

In discussions surrounding “North to South Collaboration and Its Role in Localisation,” Speckhard encouraged local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collaborate closely.

He stressed the significance of overcoming challenges in the health sector and urged NGOs not to be deterred, emphasising that challenges are global and can be addressed collaboratively.

Sylvester Akande, the Health Finance Specialist for USAID Nigeria, took the stage to discuss “Enhancing Access and Coverage of UHC Through Localisation.”

He called upon African governments to take meaningful actions promptly to meet UHC goals by 2030.

Acknowledging local challenges with local solutions, Akande expressed USAID’s commitment to directing funding and decision-making towards local partners for effective UHC implementation.

The conference served as a pivotal platform for comprehensive discussions on healthcare challenges, fostering collaboration, and advocating for tangible actions to enhance access and coverage of UHC in Africa. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Health

Nigeria launches ambitious health investment initiative for universal health coverage

By Abujah Racheal

In a significant move towards advancing healthcare accessibility, Nigeria’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has introduced the National Investment Initiative, marking a crucial stride in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, announced the imminent signing of a compact in Abuja on December 12, 2023, involving both Federal and State governments, along with development partners.

Pate emphasised the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to delivering equitable and optimal health outcomes.

The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) encompasses the Basic Healthcare Provision SWAp and the Nigerian healthcare industrialisation program, designed to address poor population health outcomes and geospatial disparities.

The NHSRII will leverage the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) through a transformative, sector-wide approach program in collaboration with state governments and development partners.

The initiative aims to train additional healthcare professionals and establish over 17,000 functional public Primary Healthcare Centres, aligning with the National Health Act’s objectives.

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), highlighted the importance of strengthening primary healthcare as a crucial step towards a sustainable healthcare system.

He emphasised the agency’s dedication to achieving UHC, ensuring quality healthcare services for all Nigerians without financial strain.

Addressing concerns over delayed payments to health workers under the Expanded Midwives Service Scheme (eMSS), Aina assured that the payment process, including three-month arrears, is underway.

He attributed delays to necessary steps such as documentation verification and orientation, expressing gratitude for health workers’ commitment.

The National Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12, serves as a reminder of the imperative for an equitable healthcare system providing financial protection.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ endorsement of UHC in 2012, emphasising the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Health

FG urges bold investments as funding gap threatens health centres nationwide

By Abujah Racheal

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has issued a pressing call for substantial investments to strengthen over 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the nation.

Addressing a policy dialogue during the 2023 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day commemoration in Abuja on Monday, Alausa cited the inadequacy of the current 1 per cent allocation to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

He underscored the critical need for increased funding and proposed a sector-wide approach, urging the multilateral and bilateral agencies to invest in the Basic Healthcare Provision.

This, he said is aimed at transforming the funding structure of PHCs within one to two years.

Dr Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), affirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring fully functional PHCs in every ward, equipped with skilled personnel, necessary tools, and reliable access to electricity over the next four years.

Dr Chris Isokpunwu, Director of Health Planning, Research & Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), highlighted persistently low government spending on healthcare, advocating for a collaborative Basic Healthcare Provision Sector-Wide Approach.

He emphasised the need for resource pooling to enhance health service quality and accessibility.

Isokpunwu warned of potential inefficiencies and duplications due to the current low government spending on healthcare.

He stressed the importance of departing from traditional models to achieve progress in key health areas, including antenatal coverage, skilled birth attendance, and health insurance coverage.

The proposed Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme includes the BHCPF, integrating financing and private sector involvement.

Isokpunwu outlined additional components, such as an Industrialisation Fund, Vulnerable Group Fund, and a Medical and Public Health Emergencies Fund.

Mrs Moji Makanjuola, Chair of the Nigeria UHC Forum, emphasised Nigeria’s potential to lead in confronting pandemics and making accelerated progress towards UHC. She urged the government to consider establishing an inter-ministerial committee on innovative financing for health.

Dr Pamela Ajayi, President of Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, stressed the need for public-private integration, emphasising the private sector’s potential to bring funding and ability to the country’s health system.

The UHC2023 panel discussed optimising available funds, addressing inefficiencies, and establishing mechanisms for mobilising additional resources.

The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss evolving health and social welfare policy priorities, fostering consensus on implementing solutions to challenges within the health system. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

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