Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare sector are urging increased collaboration between government agencies and non-state actors to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality nationwide.
This call for partnership was made at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, which aimed to evaluate the health sector’s progress with a focus on the effectiveness of the sector-wide approach (SWAp).
Science Nigeria reports that the JAR is a critical platform for promoting the Sector-Wide Approach in Nigeria, bringing together key stakeholders to review achievements, confront challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
At a health policy panel, stakeholders emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing healthcare gaps, especially in maternal and child health, disease control and financial protections for vulnerable populations.
Director of DGI Consult Limited, Dr. Gafar Alawode underscored the need for an inclusive approach. “For Nigeria to achieve sustainable progress, we need a collaborative framework that brings together government bodies, private organisations, and civil society,” Alawode said. “This will expand healthcare access and ensure no one is left behind.”
Among the proposals discussed was the creation of a national health index to track state-level health outcomes. Similar to indices in other countries, this tool would allow policymakers and the public to compare performance on crucial indicators like immunisation rates, malaria control, and maternal health services, thus fostering accountability and enabling targeted interventions where they are most needed.
National president of ALGON, Engr. Bello Lawal highlighted the need for financial protections to make healthcare more affordable for Nigerians. He noted that involving non-state actors could bring in additional resources, expertise and innovations, reducing patients’ financial burdens and expanding access to essential health services.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker stressed that for SWAp to be effective at the state level, it must be institutionalised. She explained that embedding SWAp officers within existing government frameworks is crucial for long-term sustainability. “The goal is that, even after current leaders leave office, civil servants responsible for the programme can continue its mission,” Coker said.
Coker emphasised building local capacity to identify and address healthcare gaps across states, stressing the role of partners in providing technical support to ensure state teams can fully own and manage the SWAp process. She cited Bangladesh as a case study, where government-led SWAp initiatives saw significant impact once integrated into local systems.
“This is the approach we must adopt in Nigeria,” Coker added.
The three-day event is set to establish priorities for the next phase of Nigeria’s health sector reforms and explore solutions to current healthcare challenges across the country.
