Embarking on a transformational journey towards improving Primary Healthcare services in Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) have officially launched a groundbreaking collaboration under the “Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme” (ADHFP).

The ADHFP initiative aims at establishing at least one global-standard Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of the 774 Local government Areas(LGAs), aligning with the guidelines of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and the agency in charge of PHC, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). 

In his keynote address, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, highlighted that the project is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the 77th World Health Assembly resolution on “Economies of Health for All” in recognition of the need to increase the engagement of nongovernmental actors, including the private sector, towards contributing to equitable health and well-being for all. 

“I am happy to note that this unique partnership between WHO and PSHAN which we commemorate today, responds to the request of the member states to the WHO in the 77th World Health Assembly resolution on “Economies of Health for All”, and is consistent with the WHO’s offer to the Government of Nigeria as encapsulated in the 4th Generation Nigeria Country Cooperation Strategy (CCSIV)”. 

Dr Mulombo reflected that the project aligns with the national health policy, which aims to strengthen primary healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for all Nigerians. 
He explained that WHO will be providing technical support to Nigeria on domestic resource mobilization and other fiscally sustainable ways to finance the progressive realization of achieving universal health coverage and the highest attenable primary health care services as well as addressing broader social determinants of health while ensuring health systems are strengthened, prepared and resilient to respond to outbreaks. 

“This partnership aims to leverage the comparative advantages of our two organizations to accelerate primary healthcare revitalization towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage and health security in Nigeria.  

A Leap Towards Health System Strengthening.
Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, PSHAN expressed enthusiasm that ADHFP represents a vital step in the journey towards a robust healthcare system as it aligns with the sector-wide approach of the Federal Ministry of Health to healthcare delivery.

“By bringing together the diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives of the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and international agencies, we lay the foundation for realizing UHC. With this partnership, we aim to leverage the strengths and resources of both partners to address pressing health challenges and improve health outcomes across the country.

Dr Akinbolagbe underscored the program’s potential to inspire other private entities to participate in healthcare initiatives. “Together, we have the power to shape a future where healthcare is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, accessible to all, irrespective of socio-economic status or geographical location,” she noted.

The Road Ahead
As you may recall, the WHO and the PSHAN signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  earlier in Abuja on 4 April 2024 and witnessed by the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammadu Ali Pate, and the NPHCDA executive Director, Dr Muyi Aina. 

It is worth mentioning that the Nigerian healthcare system faces profound challenges and grapples with hurdles in providing equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its people. Inadequate primary healthcare infrastructure, limited access to essential healthcare services, and persistent health inequalities highlight the urgent need for concerted action. 

The ADHFP’s approach involves adopting healthcare facilities, renovating infrastructure, providing essential medical supplies, and training healthcare workers to ensure high standards of care, especially for those who are most in need in Nigerian communities. The signing ceremony concluded with a firm resolution from all parties and partners to make the ADHFP a resounding success towards better health and well-being of all Nigerians and a significant contribution to the economic development of Nigeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

Expanding its presence across Africa, financial institution Forvis Mazars – a new $5 billion global professional network formed by financial advisory firms Mazars and Forvis – recently launched its new global network in Lagos, Nigeria. The new network aims to facilitate and improve corporate governance frameworks, offer wider access to industry expertise and provide world-class services locally.

Reaffirming the company’s commitment to global economic expansion, Forvis Mazars has joined the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power 2024 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 3-4 – as a bronze sponsor. This sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to supporting project development in Africa and will enhance discussions around financial, tax and international audit services.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas&Power conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

In June, Forvis Mazars officially launched its operations in Zimbabwe with aims to support local natural gas products and strengthen its footprint in key African markets. In Zimbabwe, upstream company Invictus Energy recently announced a second gas discovery in the Mukuyu-2 well at its 80% owned and operated Cabora Basssa project, which is poised to significantly enhance the country’s energy potential.

The firm also opened new offices in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in April 2024, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local businesses and energy projects in West Africa. On track to become a global energy hub, the Sangomar oilfield in Senegal started operations this year while the construction of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefied natural gas (LNG) project – straddling the maritime border between Senegal and Mauritania – is set to start production in Q4 2024. Other major energy projects in West Africa include Nigeria’s LNG Train 7; Ivory Coast’s offshore oil and gas exploration campaigns; and the Tema floating LNG plant in Ghana.

Forvis Mazars already extensively operates across Africa, with 45 offices across 26 countries throughout the continent. With an extensive network that includes countries such as Algeria, Angola, South Africa and Mozambique, the firm supports clients across various sectors with tailor-made solutions throughout all stages of development.

The firm effectively assists African nations in auditing, taxing and capitalizing on energy projects, driving sustainable growth and development in the continent’s energy sector. As such, Forvis Mazars’ participation as a bronze sponsor at MSGBC 2024 is set to highlight their latest initiatives and contributions to Africa’s energy landscape, providing insights and global expertise to shareholders and industry leaders.

“Forvis Mazars plays a key role in supporting African energy projects with their expert financial and advisory services. By offering robust audit, tax and advisory solutions, they help energy companies navigate a competitive market. Their participation as bronze sponsors at this year’s event demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation and allows companies to excel in today’s competitive landscape,” states Energy Capital&Power Event and Project Director Sandra Jeque.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

H.E. Saif Abdulla Alshamisi, Assistant Undersecretary for Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a copy of the credentials of H.E. Moussa Almon Oumarou, Ambassador of the Republic of the Niger to the UAE.

His Excellency wished the new Ambassador success in the performance of his duties and in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the UAE and his country.

The newly appointed Republic of the Niger Ambassador expressed his pleasure at representing his country in the United Arab Emirates, which enjoys a prestigious regional and international position under the visionary policy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.

An influx of over 720,000 refugees and returnees fleeing escalating conflict in neighboring Sudan face a worsening hunger crisis in South Sudan amid soaring food insecurity and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. 

Already alarming levels of hunger and acute malnutrition in South Sudan are expected to intensify during the current lean season, when food stocks are severely depleted and food prices on local markets increase due to worsening inflation. The situation for vulnerable households, especially in returnee and refugee-hosting States is exacerbated by the unusually rainy season which usually runs from late April to October, with severe flooding expected. Without a significant increase in support in South Sudan, more than half of the country’s population, over 7 million people, are expected to experience hunger by the end of this year and 79,000 people will likely experience the worst extremes of starvation. Children are particularly vulnerable with 1.65 million severely malnourished children under five at high risk of dying if they don’t receive food and nutrition treatment.

Caroline Sekyewa, IRC South Sudan Country Director said,

“Families are taking extreme steps to cope, even going days without food. Malnourished children that survive this crisis will likely experience stunted growth and challenges in mental development. Urgent nutritional interventions are needed to reduce mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable children.

“In response to the deteriorating hunger crisis, IRC is  scaling up our life-saving nutritional interventions.We have deployed a rapid response team to support refugees at the Aweil East entry point and transit center in the north west of the country. This is one of the areas where the highest levels of hunger are expected. IRC will screen all under five children and pregnant and breast-feeding women on arrival, providing treatment to those that need it. 

The IRC will also implement an infant and young child feeding program through both mobile nutrition services at entry points and at transit sites. Additionally, IRC will strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to scale up awareness and bolster referral systems.  

Despite humanitarian partners scaling up its response to wide-spread hunger, only 30% of the $1.7 billion needed to reduce the suffering has been met in South Sudan. While the humanitarian appeal in Sudan has only reached 31.5% of the $2.7 billion needed. 

The IRC Response in South Sudan 

The IRC supports people impacted by conflict and crisis, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, refugees and mixed populations. Since the beginning of the Sudan crisis, the IRC in South Sudan has been responding to the influx of refugees and returnees through delivering lifesaving assistance to prevent and reduce excess mortality and morbidity, ensuring that emergency needs are met, and acute protection concerns are addressed at points of entry. Through its programmatic response, the IRC provides services in women’s protection and empowerment, focusing on gender-based violence prevention and response, along with general protection, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, and nutrition, child protection and economic empowerment and livelihoods for the affected population to restore and rebuild their future. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .