Nigeria secures $500m Gavi support to boost immunisation, primary healthcare

 By Admin

Nigeria has secured a $500 million five-year immunisation support package from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen primary healthcare nationwide.

 The package which is among the largest recent investments in the country's health sector, is aimed toward supporting routine immunisation, improving vaccine delivery and expanding access to life-saving vaccines for millions of Nigerian children.

Announcing the commitment after a high-level meeting in Abuja with the Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar,  the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate described the proposed funding as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria's ongoing health sector reforms, saying it would accelerate efforts to expand access to vaccines while strengthening domestic financing for immunisation.

 "The proposed support of almost $500 million over the next five years speaks volumes, it gives us greater momentum to strengthen domestic financing, secure vaccines and ensure they reach every Nigerian child," Pate said.

 The minister remarked that Nigeria's primary healthcare system has made significant progress since Nishtar's last visit in 2023. Quarterly utilisation of Primary Healthcare Centres, he noted, has risen from about 10 million visits to more than 40 million.

 Pate attributed the improvement to the revitalisation of thousands of primary healthcare centres, stronger routine immunisation and maternal and child health services, as well as the successful implementation of the world's largest measles-rubella vaccination campaign, which protected more than 102 million Nigerian children.

 Nishtar, in her remarks, reaffirmed Gavi's long-term commitment to Nigeria, describing Nigeria as the alliance's second-largest portfolio globally and its largest co-financing partner.

 

"Gavi is here to signal that we are there for you. While many global health institutions are reducing their footprint, we will continue supporting Nigeria's immunisation programme," she stated.

 She announced an upward review of Nigeria's vaccine and cash allocation, alongside reduced co-financing obligations to give the government greater fiscal flexibility.

Nishtar also outlined reforms under Gavi's 6.0 strategy, including simplified funding processes, decentralised decision-making, digitised grant management and predictable five-year vaccine budgets, noting that the changes were shaped by feedback received during her 2023 visit to Nigeria.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, described the visit as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and Gavi.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to providing the leadership, coordination and stewardship needed to translate the partnership into stronger immunisation systems, improved primary healthcare services and better health outcomes for Nigerians.

 Nigeria and Gavi reaffirmed commitment to sustaining gains in routine immunisation, accelerating polio eradication, expanding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, strengthening primary healthcare and increasing domestic investment to ensure every Nigerian child has access to life-saving vaccines and quality healthcare.

 The renewed partnership further reinforces international confidence in Nigeria's health sector reform agenda and underscores the Federal Government's commitment to building a resilient, equitable and sustainable healthcare system for all Nigerians.

Nigerian government targets 5 million free eye glasses, 25,000 cataract surgeries by 2027

By Admin

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to provide at least five million Nigerians with free spectacles and carry out 25,000 free cataract surgeries by the end of 2027 as part of efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and expand access to quality eye care nationwide.

The initiative will be delivered through the expanded Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (Jigi-Bola 2.0) under the Renewed Hope Health Connect programme.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the target at the 49th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Annual General Meeting of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO) in Abuja.

Speaking on the conference theme, "Optometrists in a Changing Africa: From Diversity to Unity," Salako said the government has prioritised eye health as a critical public health and development issue, noting that preventable vision loss continues to undermine the productivity, independence and quality of life of millions of Nigerians.

He described Jigi-Bola 2.0 as a flagship health intervention designed to take eye care services directly to underserved communities.

"The Jigi-Bola 2.0 programme is an iconic mobile eye care initiative that reflects Mr. President's determination to reduce the burden of eye diseases by reaching vulnerable populations where they live," he said.

Salako said the programme has already screened nearly two million Nigerians and distributed more than 1.3 million free reading glasses. He noted that about 66 per cent of beneficiaries received spectacles for the first time.

He said the scale-up of the programme forms part of the implementation of the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024–2028), which seeks to strengthen integrated eye care services at the primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare levels.

He announced that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to standardise glaucoma diagnosis, treatment and referral across the country.

Ophthalmologists from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been trained to implement the guidelines, while more than 2,220 primary healthcare workers across 16 states have been equipped to carry out vision screening and referrals under the Jigi-Bola 2.0 initiative.

Salako commended Nigerian optometrists for their contribution to community eye health, early detection of eye diseases and timely referrals, describing them as indispensable partners in the country's efforts to reduce avoidable blindness.

He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to working with the Nigerian Optometric Association and other stakeholders to strengthen community eye care, improve access to quality vision services and advance universal eye health coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ajayi mentors young doctors in leadership, finance to strengthen Nigeria's health sector

…Don't just Japa, plan your future, young doctors admonished

L-R: Dr. Kunle Onakoya, CEO,  QHS Consultant LTD; Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Founder & Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre & Fibroid Care Centre at Nordica; 

Ms. Ibiyemi Ifaturoti, Coordinator, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Physician Mentoring Program and Mrs. Rashidat Adebisi, Co-Founder, Zenvolve Tech at the Close-Out event of Dr Abayomi Ajayi Physician Mentoring Programme held recently in Lagos. 

By Admin

The Founder of the Dr Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring Program, and Medical Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Abuja and Asaba, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, says young Nigerian doctors need more than clinical competence to build successful careers, arguing that leadership, financial literacy and strategic career planning have become just as important in today's evolving healthcare environment.

Speaking at the close of the fourth cohort of the Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring Programme, Ajayi said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between medical education and professional life by exposing young doctors to skills that are rarely taught in medical school.

With the migration of Nigerian doctors remaining a major public concern, he stressed that the programme was never intended to discourage participants from seeking opportunities abroad.

"We don't tell them, 'Don't go.' We encourage them to make informed decisions, but if they decide to leave for greener pasture, they should go to acquire knowledge, skills and experience, then return to help strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system," he said.

The programme, Ajayi explained, combines mentorship from accomplished professionals in medicine, academia, finance, business and the pharmaceutical industry with practical training in leadership, career planning and financial management.

"We expose the mentees to opportunities that exist in Nigeria while also helping them understand the realities of working abroad. Many young people make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information," Ajayi added.

Rather than appealing to patriotism, he said the programme gives participants a balanced perspective that enables them to make better-informed career decisions, whether they choose to remain in Nigeria or pursue opportunities overseas.

One of the programme's mentors, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described mentoring as one of Nigeria's most underutilised tools for retaining talented healthcare professionals.

Ogunsola observed that many young doctors are surrounded by negative narratives about Nigeria and often come to believe that success is only possible outside the country.

"Nigeria has so much going for it and it is important that young doctors don't leave simply because all they hear is bad news. This country is a country of opportunities. We need to show them that you don't have to go abroad to be successful," she said.

Further, Ogunsola said financial success alone should not define a career, noting that lasting fulfilment comes from making a meaningful difference. She added that mentors help young professionals navigate the uncertainty that often follows graduation by offering guidance, opening doors to professional networks and providing long-term support.

Addressing the growing wave of doctor migration, she admitted that was not opposed to international exposure but would rather encourage young doctors to pursue it with a clear purpose and a plan to return home.

Another mentor, Orthopaedic surgeon and healthcare management expert, Dr. Kunle Onakoya, said the mentoring programme was developed in recognition of the reality of medical schools producing competent clinicians, but not always equipping them with the leadership, governance, financial management and other practical skills required throughout their careers.

According to Onakoya, the Dr Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring initiative is designed to produce well-rounded professionals who can lead hospitals, manage healthcare organisations and respond effectively to the increasing complexity of modern healthcare.

Former Country Director and Chief Client Officer at AXA Mansard and Co-founder of Zenball Technologies, Rashida Adebisi, said financial literacy is an essential skill that every healthcare professional should possess.

Adebisi, the only non-medical mentor in the programme noted that many doctors graduate from medical school without any formal education in personal finance, budgeting, investing or retirement planning, despite the critical role those skills play in building sustainable careers.

"When the programme started, it was largely medical doctors mentoring medical doctors, but over time, it became clear that professional success requires much more than clinical knowledge. Medicine is also a business. Running a practice demands financial management, leadership and sound decision-making," she said.

The coordinator of the mentoring programme, Mrs. Ibiyemi Faturoti, said the initiative has continued to evolve in response to participants' feedback. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, it now includes group sessions where young doctors learn from professionals in finance, law, engineering, business and other fields.

She said the programme is not about persuading doctors to remain in Nigeria at all costs but about ensuring they make career decisions based on a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges, both at home and abroad.

"Medical school equips doctors with clinical knowledge, but there are many other skills they need to succeed professionally. Our role is to expose them to those skills and help them discover the different career paths available to them," she said.

In her words, medical school may give young doctors the cake, but mentorship provides the icing that helps them thrive long after they leave the classroom.

LASHMA deepens mandatory health insurance drive with new Surulere Ilera Eko office

By Admin

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has strengthened its push to expand healthcare access with the opening of a new Ilera Eko  office in Surulere, a move aimed at bringing health insurance services closer to residents as the state advances towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Located within the premises of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the new one-stop centre will enable residents to register for the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, update their records, change healthcare providers, resolve complaints and access other services without travelling long distances.

Commissioning the facility, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the office as another milestone in the agency's efforts to make affordable, quality and equitable healthcare more accessible at the grassroots. She said the centre would widen access to social health insurance while supporting Lagos State's goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Zamba noted that since LASHMA became fully operational in 2020, the agency has consistently expanded access to healthcare through innovations aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening public confidence in the state's health insurance scheme.

Among the initiatives introduced are Ilera N' Tiwa Cooperative, IIlera Easy Pay, the Ilera Eko Telemedicine Service, the Ilera Ibile community engagement programme and LASHMA Assistance in Distress (LASHMA-AID), the agency's emergency response initiative.

She added that LASHMA has expanded its presence across the state with divisional offices in each of the five IBILE divisions, supported by 40 Ilera Eko  kiosks and community mobilisation teams working across Lagos.

Zamba also reminded residents that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's Executive Order of July 16, 2024, made social health insurance mandatory for every Lagos resident. She said the state government remains committed to ensuring that no resident is denied access to quality healthcare because of financial hardship.

She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions, artisans and other community stakeholders to step up awareness campaigns and encourage households within their communities to enrol in the Ilera Eko scheme.

"This office is more than a physical structure, it is a symbol of hope, accessibility, partnership and progress for the people of Lagos," Zamba said.

Community leaders at the event welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step towards improving access to affordable healthcare in Surulere.

Representing the Oba of Ikate, Oba Lateef Atanda Adams, the Lisa of Ikate, Chief Suab Olayemi, commended the Lagos State Government for expanding social health insurance and urged residents to make full use of the new office.

He said health insurance is now an essential safeguard against the rising cost of medical care and pledged the support of the traditional institution in mobilising residents to enrol in the scheme.

The Bashorun of Ojora and Iganmu Kingdom, Chief Hakeem Ojora, also hailed the initiative, saying it would ease the challenges many residents face in accessing affordable healthcare.

Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Surulere Constituency I, Wemimo Odumosu, described the new office as a timely intervention that would strengthen healthcare delivery across the local government and local council development areas in Surulere.

He pledged that Community Development Associations would work closely with LASHMA to boost public awareness and drive enrolment, adding that he would be the first resident to register at the new office.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Farmers Association in Coker-Aguda LCDA, Mr. Adebowale Dawodu, who was honoured by LASHMA as an Ilera Eko Champion for his contributions to promoting the scheme, pledged to mobilise more farmers to enrol in the state's health insurance programme.

LASHMA takes health Insurance to Badagry's most vulnerable in push for universal coverage in Lagos

L- R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba with the Possu and Osewekan Bana 1 of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, presenting the Policy Number to a beneficiary during the flag-off of EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm, held at Posukoh, Badagry

By Admin

In a renewed push to achieve universal health coverage, the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), in partnership with Health District V and the DIDE Foundation, has taken its EKO Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) Community Storm to Badagry Division, bringing free health insurance registration and essential healthcare services directly to vulnerable residents.

The two-day outreach, which commenced at Posukoh Ward, combines enrolment into the state's ILERA EKO health insurance scheme with a range of preventive and curative health interventions, including childhood immunisation, tuberculosis screening, eye examinations, dental care and routine health checks.

Speaking during the flag-off, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, described the initiative as another step towards ensuring that every Lagos resident, regardless of financial status or location, can obtain healthcare without suffering financial hardship.

She told residents that ILERA EKO, the state's social health insurance programme, is now mandatory for all Lagos residents, saying the government remains committed to making the scheme accessible, particularly for those who are unable to pay.

Zamba said vulnerable beneficiaries enrolled during the EKOSHA Community Storm will receive one year of free health insurance through the state's Equity Fund.

She explained that the benefit package is comprehensive, covering outpatient consultations, treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, management of chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes, maternal healthcare services ranging from antenatal care to normal delivery and caesarean section, emergency care, childhood illnesses, surgeries and access to essential medicines.

Zamba said the programme has continued to receive strong backing from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has committed one per cent of the state's Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance healthcare for vulnerable residents through the Equity Fund.

She noted that the Governor recently increased the fund from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, a move she described as a significant investment in protecting poor and vulnerable households from catastrophic healthcare expenses.

While urging newly enrolled beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, she cautioned against self-medication, encouraging residents to seek prompt medical attention whenever they fall ill.

She also advised enrollees experiencing challenges while accessing services at hospitals or community pharmacies to report such cases through LASHMA's 24-hour customer support channels. The outreach is not limited to health insurance registration alone.

The Permanent Secretary, Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, said residents attending the community storm would also receive free medical screenings and preventive healthcare services aimed at detecting illnesses before they become life-threatening.

He encouraged community members to take advantage of the exercise, undergo health screening and adhere to prescribed medications, stressing that prevention remains one of the most effective ways to reduce disease burden.

Recognising that geography often presents another barrier to healthcare, especially in Badagry's riverine settlements, local authorities announced additional measures to improve access to medical facilities.

Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, disclosed that a boat had been donated to residents of the Ojogun riverine community to ease transportation to their chosen healthcare facilities.

He added that two additional boats would soon be provided to strengthen access to health services across the waterways. Traditional institutions also threw their weight behind the initiative.

The Possu of Badagry Kingdom and Osewekan Bana I of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Sulaimon Sewanu Iroko, commended the Lagos State Government for choosing Badagry as the starting point of the community storm.

He observed that rising healthcare costs have made it increasingly difficult for many residents to seek medical treatment, noting that free health insurance for vulnerable people would significantly improve health outcomes within the communities.

Drawing from personal experience, the traditional ruler said he had benefited from ILERA EKO and described the programme as genuine and impactful. He urged beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity by seeking healthcare whenever necessary.

Chairman of the Community Development Association in Posukoh, Elder Hungbo Mayomi, said the one-year free health insurance would bring relief to many households that previously struggled to pay for medical care. He urged residents to prioritise their health by enrolling in the scheme and making use of the services available to them.

The EKOSHA Community Storm has already reached six of the 10 wards in Badagry Division, including the riverine community of Ojogun in Olorunda LCDA. Communities covered so far include Jegba Quarters, Posukoh, Ajara Topa, Ajido, Ikoga and Togo Idale, while enrolment is expected to continue across the remaining wards.

Beyond healthcare, the outreach also incorporated educational support, with the DIDE Foundation distributing free WAEC examination forms to secondary school students in the participating communities.

The Badagry campaign reflects Lagos State's broader strategy of taking healthcare beyond hospitals and into communities where financial constraints, distance and limited awareness continue to prevent many residents from accessing essential services.

For the thousands expected to benefit from the exercise, the programme represents more than free health insurance. It offers protection against the financial shock of illness and brings the state one step closer to its goal of universal health coverage, where access to quality healthcare is determined by need rather than the ability to pay.

Revitalised PHCs deliver care to 1m Nigerians — PSHAN

L-R: Head, Membership and Partnerships, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Muyiwa Olowoporoku; Director, Board, PSHAN, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Director, Policy and Programmes, PSHAN, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh; and Head, Corporate Communications, PSHAN, Oyinkansola Evboren, during the PSHAN annual conference 2026 held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, last week.

By Admin

 

 

The Adopt-a-Primary Healthcare Facility Project (APHFP) has provided healthcare services to nearly one million Nigerians in the past three years, underscoring the impact of revitalising primary healthcare centres and expanding access to quality care, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has said.

Speaking on the initiative's impact, PSHAN's Director of Policy, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh, said the project has transformed access to healthcare in communities where primary healthcare facilities were either non-functional or operating below capacity.

Adah-Ogoh who spoke in Lagos during the PSHAN annual conference 2026 themed “Driving Digital Innovation For a Healthier Nigeria” noted that restoring the centres to full functionality has not only improved access to healthcare but led to a rise in service utilisation.

"Although these primary healthcare centres were already operating before the intervention, utilisation increased by more than 1,000 percent after the revitalisation and that sends a clear message. Nigerians will use healthcare services when they are affordable, of good quality and available when they need them, without exposing them to financial hardship," she said.

Adah-Ogoh remarked that strengthening primary healthcare remains the most effective way to tackle the country's disease burden, as close to 80 per cent of Nigeria's health challenges can be addressed at that level before they progress to conditions requiring secondary or tertiary care.

She also highlighted the importance of health insurance in improving access to healthcare, especially when many Nigerians still pay out of pocket.

"Healthcare cannot be considered truly accessible if people are forced into financial hardship to obtain treatment. The most effective solution is health insurance, where people pay affordable premiums into a pooled fund. Those pooled resources enable them to access healthcare services whenever they need them without paying directly at the point of care," she said.

On maternal and child health, Adah-Ogoh said the project has significantly expanded access to skilled birth attendance, enabling more women to receive antenatal care, pregnancy counselling and safe delivery services within their communities.

“In the past three years, we have provided skilled birth attendants, this means a woman can go to the facility, have antenatal care, be advised about her pregnancy, and be able to give birth in the facility over the period of time where these healthcare centers have been revitalised.” 

She disclosed that nearly 300,000 women had received care at the revitalised primary healthcare centres over the past three years, helping to reduce the risk of maternal deaths linked to pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

The programme has delivered routine immunisation services to almost 250,000 infants, contributing to improved child survival and a reduction in vaccine-preventable diseases.

“This means if we can fix our primary health care system, then the chances that our health care indices will be better,” she said.

In his keynote address, the Country Head, Nigeria, Flutterwave, Chizoba Okafor observed that the same financial infrastructure that transformed payments can also transform healthcare.

“Healthcare must follow a seamless interconnected ecosystem. Hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, insurers and government agencies still operate largely as disconnected systems, the next major breakthrough in healthcare will not come from a single innovation, but from how effectively these systems work together, just as our banking and telecommunications sectors have done,” Okafor said.

According to him, digital health must be built on strong governance, robust cybersecurity and effective data protection. “The goal is for patients to move seamlessly through every stage of care, from booking appointments and making payments to receiving prescriptions and processing insurance claims, without unnecessary stress or delays. Their focus should be on getting well, not on navigating the healthcare system.”

 

 

Flooding is now a public health emergency in Lagos, Abayomi warns

By Admin

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has described flooding as a major public health emergency, warning that its impact extends far beyond damaged roads and submerged homes to threaten lives, livelihoods, and access to essential services.

Speaking after an assessment of flood-affected communities alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, and other senior government officials, Abayomi said flooding disrupts healthcare delivery, education, businesses, and social activities while exposing residents to serious health risks.

He said floodwaters are frequently contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants, creating conditions for outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. He added that residents also face increased risks of skin infections, injuries, snakebites, and electrocution from submerged electrical installations.

"Flooding is not just an environmental event; it is a public health emergency that affects every aspect of people's lives," he said, noting that many families also grapple with anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional distress long after floodwaters have receded," he said.

Abayomi noted that the burden of flooding is particularly severe for vulnerable groups, including older persons, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people living with disabilities.

Reflecting on the government's visit to affected communities, the Commissioner said one of the most striking scenes was seeing canoe operators transporting residents, especially elderly people and those with mobility challenges, across flooded streets.

To minimise the health consequences of flooding, Abayomi said the Ministry of Health has intensified disease surveillance in affected communities, strengthened monitoring for outbreaks of waterborne diseases, promoted safe water and sanitation practices, and is working with relevant ministries to reduce flood-related health risks.

He also disclosed that the state has developed a new generation of climate-resilient healthcare facilities designed to withstand recurring floods and the growing effects of climate change.

Abayomi said the new health facility blueprint incorporates elevated structures above projected flood levels, low-carbon and naturally cooled building designs, improved drainage systems, green roofs for stormwater management and rainwater harvesting, strict infection prevention measures, and integrated solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during power outages.

He said the facilities are intended to remain operational during emergencies while providing safe and reliable healthcare for decades.

Abayomi urged residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible, drink only safe or treated water, practice good hand hygiene, switch off electricity before entering flooded homes, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.

Abayomi stressed that protecting public health requires more than quality hospital care, insisting that healthier communities depend on safer living environments.

"Protecting Lagos from the health impacts of flooding requires government, communities, and residents to work together to build a safer, more resilient city," he remarked.