CCA hosts Health Forum on Bridging the Gap in Nigeria’s Healthcare System

The Forum was attended by key government officials and private sector stakeholders.CCA Health ForumBridging the Gap in Nigeria’s Healthcare SystemCorporate Council on Africa (CCA) convened a high-level Health Forum themed ‘’Bridging the Gap in Nigeria’s Health System’’ sponsored by Gilead Sciences on November 7, 2018, in Abuja, Nigeria.The CCA Health Forum featured roundtable discussions onHealthcare Financing Solutionsdelivered by Gilead Sciences and onInnovations in Healthcare Service Provisiondelivered 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 (BHCPF) in the health sector and the First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Bagudu provided a great perspective on the health reforms in Kebbi state and recent partnerships with the private sector.Spotlight on discussions held at the CCA Health ForumA cross section of delegates at the CCA Health ForumH.E. Dr. Zainab Bagudu, First Lady, Kebbi State addresses delegates at the CCA Health ForumDuring the discussions several common themes were emphasized; collaborating with the private sector to improve the outcomes of current initiatives, such as the BHCPF, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare; prioritizing cost-effectiveness in the development of 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; Ben Akabueze, Director-General, DG, Budget Office of the Federation, Brent Omdahl, Commercial Counsellor US Embassy; Obinnia Abajue, CEO, Hygeia; Dr. Ogbe Oritsewegimi, Head of Health Financing, Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA); Azuka Okeke, Director, Resource Center, Private Sector Healthcare Alliance of Nigeria; Dr Oniyire Adetiloye, Country Director, Nigeria Jhpiego; Dr. Enoma Alade, Partner, Anadach Group; Njide Ndili, Country Director, Pharmaccess Nigeria; 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; Annie Baldridge, Senior Global Practice Specialist, DAI Global Health; Dr. Jeff Sturchio, President and CEO, Rabin Martin; and representatives from Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Future Assured, Drugstoc etc.A cross section of delegates at the CCA Health ForumBrent Omdahl Commercial Counsellor US Embassy, Nigeria, addresses delegates at the CCA Health ForumCorporate 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.For media inquiries, please contact Olaotan Awoyomi at oawoyomi@corporatecounilonafrica.com.