Access Bank Advocates Innovative Financing Models to Realise SDGs

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Access Bank Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering positive transformation in healthcare across Africa and advocated for innovative financing models that would foster the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Access bank made these known at the 2024 Medic West Africa Event, which was organised by the ABCHealth in collaboration with Informa Markets.  
The event, which served as a platform for stakeholders across industries to deliberate on the theme “Healthcare Investments in Africa: Mobilizing the Private Sector to Drive Healthcare Investments in Africa,” was aimed at charting a path through which corporates could leverage innovative financing models and strategic partnerships to foster the achievement of the United Nations’ SDGs.  

The discussions also explored strategies for strengthening healthcare infrastructure by leveraging technological advancements and enhancing community health initiatives.
Lending his voice to the conversation, the Group Head, Commercial Banking Division, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Ralph Opara, stressed that “the government cannot carry the burden of the health sector alone. Hence, it is imperative that the private sector explores and implements innovative financing models and strategic partnerships to bridge the healthcare investment gap.”

Opara noted that collaborative effort between the public and private sectors is not only crucial but essential to driving innovation, improving healthcare accessibility, and ensuring sustainable development across the continent.
Walking the talk on partnerships, Access Bank has partnered with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), to launch the Adopt-A-Health Facility Program (ADHFP) with the primary aim of delivering, at least, one global standard Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

So far, the initiative has resulted into over 180 PHCs adopted across the country.
Other notable participants at the event included the CEO of ABCHealth, Ms. Mories Atoki; Head of Specialised Sectors Business & Commercial Banking, Stanbic IBTC, Ms. Jane Ike-Okoli; Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Ms. Odunayo Sanyo; Group Head, Health Finance, Sterling Bank, Ms. Ibironke Akinmade, and MD/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Ms. Zouera Youssoufou.