In a groundbreaking move, Development Governance International (DGI) Consult is set to revolutionise resource optimisation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through its inaugural Health System Solutions Forum in Nigeria.
The managing partner of DGI Consult, Dr. Gafar Alawode announced this milestone on Wednesday in Abuja.
Alawode explained that the forum aimed to present interventions and innovations with the potential to reshape the healthcare system landscape when implemented at scale in Nigeria. The theme for the maiden edition of the Health System Emerging Solutions Forum is “Optimising Resources for Accelerated Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage,” scheduled for November 14, 2023.
This forum will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including prominent figures from esteemed institutions such as the Harvard School of Public Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, PharmAccess Nigeria, the Faculty of Public Health, UK, the Nigeria UHC Forum, as well as policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and the media.
Addressing the dearth of dedicated platforms showcasing the effectiveness of health system interventions and innovations, Alawode emphasised that the forum’s primary objective is to share transferable lessons learned and critical success factors. By doing so, they hope to enable a better understanding and replication of these interventions, ultimately leading to a significant impact at scale.
“The focus of the inaugural edition will be on optimizing health resources, encompassing manpower, funding, and materials. With the government’s fiscal space for health spending narrowing significantly, the spotlight on resource optimisation-enabling interventions has never been more pertinent,” he noted.
Alawode stressed that the Health System Emerging Solutions Forum by DGI Consult aspires to bridge the critical gap in sharing and disseminating knowledge and experiences in the realm of health system strengthening. Collaborating with other stakeholders, the forum aims to create a platform for sharing crucial health system interventions, both domestically and globally.
The forum promises to be a valuable event for stakeholders in the health sector, bringing together key players and showcasing interventions that can contribute to accelerated progress towards UHC in Nigeria. In addition to optimising health resources, the forum will also address the mobilisation and utilisation of resources in health financing.
“While both aspects are crucial, there is often an imbalance with more emphasis placed on mobilization rather than effective utilization. This forum will provide a platform to explore strategies and interventions that can ensure the efficient use of available resources for maximum impact,” he explained.
The Health System Emerging Solutions Forum also seeks to be an insightful and collaborative event, striving to drive positive change in Nigeria’s healthcare system landscape. “It will provide a platform for sharing innovative solutions, promoting resource optimisation and ultimately working towards the goal of achieving UHC in Nigeria,” he added.
However, the forum will not solely highlight interventions and innovations from the healthcare sector but will also encourage cross-sector collaboration. Recognising that addressing health system challenges necessitates a multi-faceted approach, the forum will feature insights and experiences from various sectors, including academia, philanthropic organisations, and government agencies. This interdisciplinary approach aims to foster innovative solutions and promote holistic approaches to health system strengthening.
The forum will also serve as an opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders. It will provide a space for policymakers, development partners, the media, civil society organisations and other key players to connect, share experiences and explore potential partnerships for future initiatives.
As the inaugural edition of the forum, it sets the stage for future events that will continue to showcase impactful interventions and foster dialogue on health system strengthening. By bringing together experts and practitioners from around the world, the forum aims to contribute to the global discourse on achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes for all in Nigeria.
Furthermore, in recognition of the meritorious service, landmark achievements, and remarkable contributions of some notable stakeholders to the advancement of UHC in the country, DGI Consult, in collaboration with the Nigeria UHC Forum, will honour these stakeholders with UHC Excellence Awards. The awards will be presented by the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo at the maiden edition of the Health System Emerging Solutions Forum.
Additionally, DGI Consult will launch the emerging solutions repository at the event, which is an online repository of promising innovations and initiatives in the health sector. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for sharing and disseminating impactful solutions to healthcare challenges.
