Tag: health

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has signed two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) to enhance data-driven decision-making and improve service quality across Nigeria’s health insurance system.

The agency explained that the partnerships were necessary because it cannot function in isolation and must work closely with institutions that have complementary mandates.

“This is the beginning of a long journey toward a more accountable and citizen-focused health insurance system. Our goal is to transform how health insurance works, using evidence, technology, and accountability to deliver the quality of care Nigerians deserve, the Director General (DG) of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, stressed.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Ohiri said the partnerships reflect the government’s determination to make healthcare delivery more evidence-based, accountable, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

“These are not just documents; they represent real commitments to improving the way we deliver healthcare. Our programmes must be guided by accurate data, clear accountability, and the lived experiences of Nigerians.” Dr. Ohiri noted.

He explained that the partnership with the NBS would strengthen the national health data ecosystem by ensuring that reliable indicators, particularly those affecting the poor and vulnerable, are captured in national statistics.

Noting that it would also support capacity building and locally relevant research to shape sound policies and evaluate the impact of interventions, the DG said, “People often ask how we measure the impact of what we do.

“This collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics ensures that we’re measuring the right things, especially those that truly matter to ordinary Nigerians.”

Dr. Ohiri added that the agreement reflects a shared commitment between NHIA and NBS to utilize credible data for informed decision-making, track outcomes, and identify areas requiring improvement in the nation’s healthcare system.

He further emphasized that the partnership with SERVICOM, which coincided with this year’s Customer Service Week, would focus on improving the quality of care for over 20 million Nigerians currently enrolled in various NHIA programmes.

“For us, health insurance is not only about numbers, it’s about people’s experiences. Partnering with SERVICOM aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Universal Health Coverage”, he noted, adding that access alone is not enough; quality and accountability must go hand in hand.

According to him, the collaboration with SERVICOM will strengthen feedback mechanisms, ensure that enrollees are aware of their rights, and make it easier for them to report and resolve complaints at healthcare facilities.

Explaining that NHIA will deploy an Enrollee Charter, complete with QR codes to hospitals nationwide to guide users on service standards and complaint channels, Dr. Ohiri stressed, “When people go to a facility, if there are complaints, we want to hear them and resolve them.

“We’ve already managed and resolved about 90 percent of over 2,000 complaints received in the past year.

“Silence gives the impression that everything is fine when it’s not. Nigerians deserve to be heard, and we will make sure they are heard.”

He, however, affirmed that NHIA’s enforcement unit would continue to investigate complaints, impose sanctions where necessary, and reward facilities that deliver quality services.

“Feedback should not only be about punishment; it should also recognize excellence. Those who perform well deserve encouragement, just as those who fail to meet standards must be held accountable,” he said.

Ohiri added that the SERVICOM partnership would also involve training frontline health workers to improve empathy and responsiveness at the point of service.

“When people are sick, they are at their most vulnerable. That’s when they need compassion and dignity. Working with SERVICOM helps us build that culture,” he said.

Reacting, the acting National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Anthony Oshin, commended NHIA for initiating the collaboration and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that public institutions uphold the highest standards of service delivery.

“The partnership we are entering into today will be a lasting one. It will help us achieve greater heights in promoting excellence and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the quality of care they deserve,” Oshin said.

He emphasized that SERVICOM’s role would be to strengthen feedback culture, monitor service delivery, and support NHIA in building a system that puts citizens first.

“When patients visit hospitals, they should know what services to expect and have a voice when things go wrong. Our job is to ensure that complaints lead to corrections, and that quality service becomes the norm, not the exception,” he said.

Similarly, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, described the partnership as a timely step toward integrating health data into national planning and ensuring evidence-based decision-making.

He said the collaboration would help measure the impact of health insurance on poverty reduction, equity, and access to care, while both agencies will jointly produce research and surveys to track the sector’s role in improving health outcomes and economic growth.

He also announced that NHIA will join the Integrated System of Administrative Statistics (ISAS), a platform that enables real-time data exchange across more than 15 ministries, departments, and agencies for national planning.

Pharmacists across Nigeria must urgently embrace technology to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Pharm. John Omale has said.

Speaking at the opening of the 3-day ‘Business Summit 3.0’ organized by the Abuja chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) on Tuesday, Omale stressed that outdated practices can no longer address today’s challenges.

“Our practices as professionals must evolve to remain meaningful and effective. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results. Technology must be at the heart of that transformation,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme ‘Technology Infusion in Healthcare Practices: The Panacea for the Future of Community Pharmacy’, Omale argued that digital tools are no longer optional, stressing, “Technology enables us to solve problems, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.

“However, we must also recognize that the market, regulations, and mainstream practices are shifting. To survive and thrive, we must adapt, innovate, and adopt standards that ensure quality and profitability without compromising ethical values.”

He linked sustainability in pharmacy to innovation and problem-solving, not inefficiency, “Money flows to solutions. When we solve problems effectively, opportunities and resources naturally follow

“Stronger reliance on data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and innovation is the only way to go,” Omale said.

Omale highlighted the growing complexity of modern healthcare, stressing the need for patient-specific care and safety in drug use.

“Technology can help us manage these complexities, improve patient safety, and deliver higher-quality services,” he noted.

He warned that the benefits of technology would not materialize without investment in people, emphasizing, “We must also prioritize training and continuous learning.

“The world of healthcare is dynamic, and professionals must stay ahead of developments in science, technology, and regulation. Only then can we build a system where every patient receives appropriate, safe, and effective treatment”.

On the challenges facing the profession, Omale identified outdated practices, resistance to change, inadequate standardization, limited access to digital tools, and gaps in regulatory compliance and ethical delivery.

“Our collective goal should be to modernize our systems, standardize practices, and ensure ethical service delivery. By embracing change and adopting new tools, we can transform healthcare into a system that is patient-centred and sustainable for the future,” he noted.

The chairman of ACPN, FCT chapter, Aloba Olatunji, described the summit as a platform to empower members and sustain continuous professional learning.

“As professionals, we don’t stop learning. This summit is designed to put knowledge back into our members, helping us adapt to what is trending in society. The theme for this year is ‘Technological Infusion into Healthcare Practice,’” he said.

He noted that while artificial intelligence is being projected as a disruptor, Africa’s peculiar health realities mean pharmacists remain indispensable.

“Pharmacists in Africa deal with tropical medicine, which technology cannot fully replace. Our members need to be empowered to integrate technology into their practice,” he explained.

He said an incentive initiative put in place during the summit was necessary to support members facing difficult business environments.

“Some of our members are doing well, while others are not. Collectively, many are struggling. Information is power, so we need to constantly pass it across so they can blend with what is happening in society,” he said.

Olatunji also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with government reforms and always seek professional guidance in drug use.

“A beautiful diagnosis without the right drug, dose, and duration will not give you a beautiful result,” he cautioned.

On drug regulation, he assured, “No pharmacy manned by a licensed pharmacist will dispense prescription drugs irrationally. Your license is at stake. On fake and substandard drugs, ACPN is working with NAFDAC and NDLEA to ensure they are flushed out of society.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Pharmacist Fellows for Abuja and Nasarawa commended ACPN for hosting the summit, describing it as “a valuable platform to advance pharmacy practice.”

He urged members to “remain focused on professional goals despite distractions” and stressed the importance of unity in pursuing common objectives.

Also delivering goodwill on behalf of the NDLEA FCT Commandant, a representative reaffirmed the agency’s close partnership with pharmacists, calling them the “frontline interface with the people.”

He warned of the rising tide of substance abuse and stressed that pharmacists must play an ethical role in preventing misuse.

He commended ACPN for creating a platform to strengthen collaboration, saying the summit was vital in “tackling substance abuse and promoting responsible healthcare delivery.”

The empowerment incentives, sponsored by one of the stakeholders, include cars, televisions, refrigerators, and other consolation prizes, while the FCT chapter also packaged inverters for members to power their premises in case of outages.

Health advocates have raised the alarm that Nigeria’s fragmented health system is endangering women’s lives and stalling progress in maternal and reproductive health.

Despite women making up half of the population, experts say they continue to bear the brunt of a system not designed to meet their holistic needs. Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates worldwide.

Speaking during a virtual roundtable on maternal health on Thursday, women’s health advocate Busayo Akindolie, from Ontario, Canada, stressed that fragmentation is “not just a technical problem” but one that puts women at daily risk.

She highlighted how siloed programmes, disconnected policies, and poorly coordinated services leave women without the urgent care they need. To illustrate, she recounted the case of Amina, a young expectant mother in Lagos who lost her life after critical delays caused by the unavailability of equipment at her local clinic.

The event, which brought together women’s health advocates and public health experts, focused on building a holistic and sustainable approach to tackle maternal health challenges in Nigeria.

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“This heartbreaking story is far too common,” Akindolie said.

According to her, maternal deaths, preventable complications, limited access to reproductive health services, and rising vulnerability to HIV and gender-based violence highlight the gaps in the system.

Saying that the costs of fragmentation are borne not only by women but also by families and entire communities, Akindolie noted, “Every woman should be able to access the care she needs, the information she deserves, and the support that allows her to thrive,” stressing that women’s health equity is both a moral and systemic responsibility.

The expert argued that the current system, where maternal care is separated from reproductive services, hospitals operate independently of community programmes, and policies often remain unimplemented, erodes trust and worsens outcomes.

Calling for a connected health system where clinics, hospitals, policymakers, and advocates work in unison, she said, “Women’s health equity is about fairness, opportunity, and dignity.

“Every woman should be able to access the care she needs, the information she deserves, and the support that allows her to thrive.

“This isn’t just a policy goal. It is a moral need. When women are empowered, families thrive, children are more likely to attend school, households enjoy better sanitation and healthier environments, and communities become stronger.

“Advancing women’s health equity strengthens Nigeria at every level”.

In such a system, women would receive coordinated, woman-centred care, and no one would fall through the cracks, she added.

“Ending fragmentation takes all of us, it requires collaboration, coordination, and the courage to put women’s voices at the centre of our health system.

“Bridging these gaps is achievable. A Nigeria where every woman receives the care she needs, they say, is within reach if decisive action is taken,” Akindolie said.

The other advocates echoed the call for a connected health system where clinics, hospitals, policymakers, and advocates work in unison.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians, stressing that preventive strategies through health promotion must be a collective responsibility.

To this end, health officials, development partners, and stakeholders convened in Abuja on Monday for the second quarter meeting of the National Health Promotion Technical Working Group (NHPTWG).

The meeting is expected to produce concrete strategies and renewed partnerships aimed at expanding health promotion efforts at the national and community levels.

In addition, it is expected to renew commitments to strengthen collaboration, expand health literacy, and embed preventive practices in communities across the country.

Declaring the meeting open, the Director of the Family Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, said the forum remains an essential platform for reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and charting new priorities in health promotion. 

He described the gathering as crucial for aligning national efforts, sharing best practices, and strengthening collaboration to achieve Nigeria’s health goals.

“The technical working group plays a pivotal role in driving the national health promotion initiative. By collaborating and sharing insights, we can develop targeted, evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes across the nation,” Ukaire said. 

He added that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess ongoing activities, foster stronger partnerships, and identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.

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Ukaire underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. 

According to him, pooling resources and aligning strategies will help address complex health challenges more effectively. She expressed confidence that the NHPTWG will continue to deliver impactful strategies and innovative approaches to improve health outcomes nationwide.

In his welcome remarks, the Director of the Health Promotion Division at the Ministry, John Uruakpa, explained that health promotion remains central to improving wellbeing through literacy, awareness, and preventive practices.

He described the meeting as “a convergence of ideas, expertise, and purpose,” focused on empowering Nigerians to take charge of their health.

“Health promotion is not just for the elite. It is about everyday practices in homes and communities—washing hands, cooking food properly, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring safe environments. These simple but critical steps do not necessarily require money,” Uruakpa said.

He added that Health Promotion Day, scheduled for later this year, aims to raise consciousness about preventive health and encourage lifestyle changes across the country.

Uruakpa stressed that health promotion cannot be achieved by the government alone, calling for the active participation of the private sector, media, partners, and communities.

“Health promotion is with the people. It is inborn, but we must continue to create awareness and build knowledge so that everyone can contribute to protecting and improving health,” he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also pledged continued support.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the organization, Dr Mya Ngon, Team Lead, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Nigeria, commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for convening the forum and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, mobilizing resources, and supporting sustainable health promotion programmes in Nigeria.

“Health promotion is not merely a strategy, it is a movement. It enables individuals, families, and communities to take control of their health, prevent disease, and foster wellbeing.

“This platform is uniquely positioned to drive evidence-based, community-led responses that will contribute to Universal Health Coverage and resilient health systems,” Ngon said.

A Nigerian environmental biologist, Dr. Oyeshina Gideon Oyeku, is earning global acclaim for his groundbreaking work on aquatic ecosystems and their intersections with public health, pollution, and climate change.

Dr. Oyeku, currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Georgia, United States, disclosed the focus of his cutting-edge research during an interview with journalists.

His work, he said, is aimed at understanding how environmental changes and human activities are reshaping freshwater and marine systems with far-reaching consequences for sustainability, health, and the economy.

“My research examines how aquatic systems respond to stress from growing human impact and climate variability, and how those changes affect ecological balance, human health, and livelihoods,” he explained.

The Nigerian-born scientist has conducted studies across Africa, Asia, and North America, deploying a multidisciplinary approach that blends ecology, molecular biology, toxicology, biogeochemistry, satellite remote sensing, and bio-optical modelling. His findings have reshaped scientific understanding of some of the world’s most sensitive and economically vital water bodies.

In Nigeria, Dr. Oyeku led an ecological assessment of the Osun-Osogbo River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study evaluated the river’s biological water quality and conservation status and has since become a reference point for managing pollution and freshwater ecosystem sustainability in the tropics.

He also uncovered potential health threats in municipal water systems through research that identified antibiotic-resistant bacteria and toxic cyanobacteria. These studies revealed risks linked to untreated pollution and widespread environmental antibiotic exposure.

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Beyond inland waters, Dr. Oyeku made major contributions to marine science during his doctoral studies in India. “As part of my PhD funded by The World Academy of Science (TWAS) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), I was the first to report the presence of the toxic dinoflagellate Fukuyoa paulensis in the Bay of Bengal and confirmed that Prorocentrum lima produces okadaic acid in the region,” he said.

Okadaic acid is a dangerous marine toxin that causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, a gastrointestinal illness in humans. Oyeku’s work on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea has been widely cited, providing insights into how environmental changes and nutrient loading influence HAB frequency and toxicity in critical fishery zones.

“These ecosystems support some of the world’s largest fisheries and coastal populations. Understanding harmful algal dynamics is crucial for protecting marine food chains and sustaining communities,” he said.

Trained in India, the UK, and the US, Dr. Oyeku is an alumnus of the prestigious Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) Fellowship, where he studied satellite-based aquatic monitoring at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. His work has earned him several awards, including the TWAS-CSIR Fellowship, POGO Satellite Monitoring Fellowship, and multiple research grants and conference honours.

Looking ahead, he said his future research will focus on developing early-warning indicators for aquatic risks, advancing predictive models, and integrating microbial and geospatial data into climate and pollution assessments.

“Freshwater and marine systems may differ, but they are part of a global puzzle. We must bridge microbial ecology with geospatial science if we are to predict and prevent environmental tipping points,” he said.