The World Health Organisation (WHO) has joined forces with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria to accelerate the revitalization of primary healthcare in Nigeria, with the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage and health security in the country. This partnership, known as the ‘Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme,’ aims to establish globally-standardized Primary Healthcare Centres in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja, Dr. Walter Mulombo, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of this partnership in aligning with the WHO’s offer to Nigeria as outlined in the fourth Generation Nigeria Country Cooperation Strategy. The programme will integrate the efforts of the government and stakeholders to ensure sustainable and resilient primary healthcare systems that can effectively prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases and outbreaks.

Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PSHAN, emphasized the power of collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment in building sustainable primary healthcare systems. By bringing together expertise from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and international organizations, the partnership aims to overcome barriers and improve healthcare delivery for all Nigerians.

The flagship initiative of the partnership, the ADHFP, seeks to establish globally-standardized PHCs across Nigeria’s Local Government Areas. Through targeted investments, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative service delivery approaches, the partners aim to create a resilient, responsive, and inclusive healthcare ecosystem.

Overall, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through primary healthcare in Nigeria. The partnership’s focus on improving service delivery, empowering local communities, and catalyzing systemic change demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap between healthcare demand and supply for the benefit of all Nigerians.