PHN: Nigeria’s Health System is Complex

Rebecca Ejifoma

Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN) has blamed the demand and supply side challenges recorded in Nigeria’s complex and dynamic health system as responsible for the death of women and children annually.

In his presentation at the Grand Health Bazaar (GHB) 2017, organised by Livewell Initiative (LWI), Chief Executive Officer, PHN, Mr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, listed the supply side challenges to include shortage of critical human resources, weak supply chain systems, commodity stock-outs and infrastructure deficit.

He bemoaned that the demand for critical services is very low, largely driven by poor quality of care, affordability, cultural barriers and awareness.

As an Annual Grand Health Bazaar, it was in line with the Global Sustainability Agenda on the theme, ‘Creating Shared Value as an Essential Tool for Enhanced Corporate Sustainability’ hence, Umar-Sadiq noted: “Our health performance is lagging targets. The private sector can quickly deliver tangible impact to high-need areas by applying relevant expertise, especially in marketing and in taking novel approaches.”

According to him, collectively, private sector companies possess both tangible and intangible assets that give it a distinct advantage in tackling specific health issues.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of LWI, Mrs. Bisi Bright, in her statement during the three-day GHB 2017, expressed enthusiasm on the issues surrounding partnership and funding for the health sector was brought to the front burner.

This is as she announced the launch of the Women in Hepatitis Africa (WIHA) network at the climax of the Second Liver Health Conference held alongside the GHB 2017.

The CEO described WIHA as a network of highly placed women advocating for policies that will eliminate hepatitis disease and also quenching discrimination against people living with the virus.

With the presence of Hajiya Halima Dangote, Executive Director of the Dangote Group, represented by Global Ambassador WIHA, Hajiya Asaba MusaYar’Adua, charge its ambassadors to use their influence and resources to join in the fight to eradicate hepatitis and patient destigmatisation.