Africa Primary Health Care Forum | July 14, 2025

Main Theme: Unlocking Universal Health Coverage in Africa: Rethinking Primary Healthcare Financing through Reforms, Innovations, and Partnerships

Earlier today at the Africa Primary Health Care Forum, a high-level session was held under the theme: “Unlocking Universal Health Coverage in Africa: Evaluating the Impact of Primary Healthcare Financing through Reforms, Innovations, and Partnerships.”

Moderated by Dr. Ayodele Cole Benson (Vice President, HFN), the session focused on reassessing current PHC financing models, identifying systemic barriers, and exploring blended solutions that leverage public financing, private sector participation, and digital innovation as key enablers of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) was represented by its President, Mrs. Njide Ndili, who co-chaired the session alongside distinguished leaders including Jean-Philbert Nsengimana (Africa CDC), Dr. Olumide Okunola (World Bank/IFC), Dr. Francis Ukwuije (WHO), Dr. Amina Mohammed Baloni (Former Commissioner for Health, Kaduna), Amina Dorayi (Country Director, Pathfinder International), and Dr. Mohammed Lecky (Chairman, Health Reform Coalition).

Key Takeaways from the Session Included:

 Refocus Healthcare Spending: Participants advocated for a shift to outcomes-based financing to maximize the efficiency and impact of limited health resources.

 Leverage the Private Sector: With over 70% of healthcare delivered by private providers, panelists underscored the need for support and strong public-private partnerships to scale up PHC service delivery.

 Cross-Sector Health Investment: Speakers recommended that every ministry allocate at least 5% of its budget to health, recognizing the cross-cutting impact of healthcare.

Policy and Political Engagement: Emphasis was placed on the importance of sustained advocacy and political will, including the strategic engagement of the National Assembly, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and local government actors to drive meaningful reform.

Digital Technology for UHC: Leveraging digital tools for transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery was identified as a critical path toward achieving UHC.

In conclusion, the session reaffirmed that achieving UHC in Africa will require robust public financing, underpinned by private sector collaboration and the strategic use of digital innovation.