PharmAccess Nigeria has emphasised the crucial role of public-private collaboration in accelerating progress toward bridging healthcare equity gaps and improving population health outcomes.
With the 2030 target for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) approaching, the partnership is more essential than ever, the international non-governmental organization said.
PharmAccess Nigeria is a part of the pan-African PharmAccess Group, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and has been a key driver of health system transformation for over a decade.
The organization has pioneered initiatives such as the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme, the SafeCare quality improvement methodology, and mobile tuberculosis screening applications
Speaking on Thursday about the Board’s establishment, PharmAccess Nigeria Country Director, Njide Ndili, said its primary objective is to drive healthcare innovation and expand access to quality services nationwide.
According to her, the strategic move reflects private-sector collaboration with the government, as the Board aims to enhance the organization’s mission of bridging healthcare equity gaps while aligning with national and global health priorities.
The board comprises leading experts in healthcare policy, digital transformation, and investment, who will provide strategic guidance on market intelligence, sustainable financing, and partnership opportunities, Ndili added.
Noting that the insights of the Board members will ensure PharmAccess remains at the forefront of digital health innovation and healthcare investments, the country director said with the growing role of digital and mobile technology, the Board will play a crucial role in advancing sustainable healthcare models.
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“The establishment of this Advisory Board marks a critical milestone in scaling transformative healthcare models.
“With their extensive expertise, we are positioned to drive advancements in digital health, quality improvement, value-based care, and sustainable healthcare financing.
“Their guidance will be instrumental in accelerating progress toward bridging healthcare equity gaps in Nigeria,” she said.
She highlighted the members of the Advisory Board, including Wiebe Boer, Chief Growth Officer at JIPA Network, a seasoned social entrepreneur with expertise in philanthropy, sustainable development, and impact investment.
Ndili noted that Boer has held leadership positions at the Rockefeller Foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and Shell’s All On investment fund.
“Ebere Okereke is a global health expert with over 30 years of experience in infectious disease control, pandemic preparedness, and health policy.
“She serves as Chief Program Officer at Reaching the Last Mile, the philanthropic foundation of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed.
“Also, Olufemi Sunmonu, Program Director for EQUIP in Northeast London and co-founder of PurpleSource Healthcare in Nigeria.
“He specialises in digital healthcare transformation and quality improvement, with a focus on primary care innovation.
“With their collective expertise, the Advisory Board is set to bolster PharmAccess’ efforts to improve healthcare access, enhance system resilience, and drive sustainable healthcare solutions across Nigeria,” she said.
On her part, Nicole Spieker, the Group Chief Executive Officer of PharmAccess, emphasized the organization’s commitment to driving healthcare transformation in Nigeria, saying, “PharmAccess is committed to driving transformational change in healthcare by unlocking the power of data and technology.
“To help accelerate our impact we are proud to announce the launch of our advisory board for Nigeria. Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we work to strengthen health systems and improve access to quality care across the count