The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) on Wednesday 7 November 2018, convened a high-level Health Forum themed ‘’Bridging the Gap in Nigeria’s Health System’’ sponsored by Gilead Sciences.
The CCA Health Forum featured roundtable discussions on Healthcare Financing Solutions delivered by leading Global bio-pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences and on Innovations in Healthcare Service Provision delivered by DAI Global Health. The sessions highlighted strategies and social impact models focused on addressing effective healthcare financing to reduce ‘out of pocket payments,’ best practices for treating/preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and innovative solutions for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of CCA, and President & CEO of Rabin Martin, Dr. Jeff Sturchio, highlighted the importance of partnerships while Mr. Ekenem Isichei, Country Director, Nigeria, CCA, stressed the importance of human capital development in the health sector. Mr. Olumide Okunola, Senior Health Specialist, IFC/World Bank spoke about the funds available to the Federal Government through the Basic Health Care Provision fund in the Health sector and the First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Bagudu provided a great perspective on the health reforms being carried out in Kebbi state and recent partnerships with the private sector.
During the discussions several common themes were emphasized; collaborating with the private sector to improve the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at strengthening primary healthcare including the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), prioritizing cost-effectiveness in the development Public-Private Partnerships; adopting home-grown solutions in responding to issues within the sector; approaching healthcare in a holistic manner; and finally leveraging existing technology solutions.
The forum was attended by key government and private sector stakeholders including Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, senate committee chair on Health, Brent Omdahl Commercial Counsellor US Embassy, Obinnia Abajue, CEO Hygeia, Dr. Ogbe, Head of Financing NPHCDA, Azuka Okeke, Director Resource Centre, Private Sector Healthcare Alliance of Nigeria, Dr Oniyire Adetiloye Country Director, Nigeria, Jhpiego, Dr Enoma Alade, Partner Anadach Group, Ms Njide Ndili Country Director Pharmaccess Nigeria, Ms Chinedo Ugwu, Commercial Leader, Primary and Referral Care Africa GE Healthcare, Papa Salif Sow, Vice President, Program Development and Management Africa/Geneva Gilead Sciences, Jirair Ratevosian, Executive Director Government Affairs Gilead Sciences, Dr. Joe Abah, Nigeria Country Director DAI Global, Ms. Annie Baldridge, Senior Global Practice Specialist, DAI Global Health, Rabin Martin, and representatives from Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Future Assured, Drugstoc etc.
Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is the leading U.S. business association focused solely on connecting business interests in Africa. Established in 1993 to promote business and investment between the United States and the nations of Africa, CCA serves as a neutral, trusted intermediary connecting its member firms with the essential government and business leaders they need to do business and succeed in Africa. CCA uniquely represents a broad cross-section of member companies from small and medium-size businesses to multinationals as well as U.S. and African firms. Our members are invested in Africa’s most promising sectors including agribusiness, energy, finance, health, ICT, infrastructure, security, tourism, and trade facilitation.
Signed by
Bami Odusote
16/11/2018
