Prominent global health organisation, Options is gearing up to commemorate its 30th anniversary with a distinguished event featuring a high-level panel discussion on unlocking health prosperity and universal health coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
Regional director of Options, Dr. Ufuoma Omo-Obi shared this announcement with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
Omo-Obi expressed the organisation’s intent to convene thought leaders, policymakers, funders and stakeholders from the health sector to deliberate on the challenges and prospects of realising UHC for all by 2030.
“The anniversary event, themed ‘From Vision to Reality: Unlocking Health Prosperity and Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria,’ will serve as a platform for collaborative dialogues, insights, and innovative solutions,” Omo-Obi explained.
“This event is of particular significance as Nigeria has renewed its commitment to UHC through the enactment of the Health Insurance bill. Presently, out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare in Nigeria stand at 70 per cent, underscoring the critical need for affordable and accessible healthcare services”.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Nkata Chuku, a seasoned MD, health economist and health systems strengthening specialist, will feature distinguished speakers who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the health sector.
The event aims to facilitate comprehensive discussions addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare sector and exploring viable avenues to bridge gaps and enhance healthcare delivery.
“The event will also encompass enlightening presentations, promoting knowledge exchange, idea sharing, and collaborative problem-solving among attendees,” Omo-Obi noted.
“Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing sessions that contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.”
As Options celebrates three decades of health innovation, collaboration and progress, the organisation reiterates its commitment to shaping a society where quality healthcare is considered a right, not a privilege.
The event is intended to galvanize stakeholders into action, encouraging them to unite their efforts, share innovative solutions, and collectively contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards achieving UHC by 2030.
“Options’ 30th-anniversary celebration and the high-level panel discussion on unlocking health prosperity and universal health coverage in Nigeria mark a significant milestone in the global health sector,” Omo-Obi affirmed.
“It underscores the organization’s dedication to promoting accessible and high-quality healthcare services while driving advancements in healthcare systems.”
Senior consultant for health systems and financing, Dr. Joy Uzoho highlighted Options’ efforts in supporting the establishment of a social health insurance scheme and contributing to the implementation of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) policy in collaboration with the Nigerian Health Watch.
Uzoho elaborated that the organization has made recommendations to ensure the acceptance and implementation of the policy, including making deductions mandatory and reaching out to the informal sector through tailored awareness campaigns.
“Furthermore, the organisation is involved in capacity building, particularly in the budgeting process, prioritizing vulnerable populations, and monitoring the utilization of funds for improved health outcomes”.
“In addition, we have developed a value-for-money framework to ensure efficient programme implementation,” Uzoho added.
Options, as a global health organization, is committed to enhancing healthcare systems and services worldwide. Focusing on promoting health equity and advancing universal health coverage, Options collaborates with governments, NGOs, academia and communities to create sustainable solutions that address pressing global health challenges.
