In a recent interview, Dr. Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko, General Manager and CEO of the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), reiterated the organisation’s unwavering dedication to improving the healthcare system in Nigeria. The NSSF has strategically prioritised initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations and underserved communities across the nation.
Chinye-Nwoko highlighted that these initiatives play a vital role in addressing leadership and governance issues within the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on Routine Immunisation (RI) programmes. She emphasised the urgency of increased healthcare spending in Nigeria, as the country currently allocates only 3.1% of its GDP to healthcare, falling significantly short of the 15% target set by African leaders in the 2001 Abuja declaration.
“By boosting healthcare expenditure, Nigeria can allocate more resources to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, expand access to quality healthcare services, and progress toward achieving universal healthcare coverage,” Chinye-Nwoko asserted. She noted that approximately 80% of Nigeria’s 30,000 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities are not fully functional, resulting in limited access to essential primary healthcare services for a substantial portion of the population.
Furthermore, Chinye-Nwoko stressed that only 3% of Nigerians have healthcare insurance, leaving the majority vulnerable to health emergencies and financial barriers when seeking medical assistance.
In response to these challenges, NSSF has taken substantial steps to make a positive impact on the healthcare system. The organisation has provided financial support to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to scale up COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Additionally, NSSF has trained 12,000 healthcare workers in safe immunisation practices and reached 12 million people through vaccine advocacy programmes. Over 4.9 million individuals have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine thanks to NSSF’s efforts.
Chinye-Nwoko also highlighted NSSF’s involvement in advocacy programmes, with over 1,200 youths participating in their campaigns. The organisation has facilitated advocacy discussions with key stakeholders to promote improved healthcare and immunisation programmes. Moreover, NSSF has mobilised over 1.2 million individuals to support government financing of the health sector.
Regarding funding for these programmes, Chinye-Nwoko revealed that NSSF actively seeks partnerships with private companies and businesses to secure financial support and in-kind contributions for healthcare initiatives, including vaccine access and awareness campaigns. The organisation aims to build strong relationships with corporate entities through strategic communication and highlight the mutual benefits of collaboration.
Through joint advocacy efforts, NSSF seeks to raise awareness about health issues, particularly the significance of vaccinations, and encourage private companies to invest in sustainable healthcare projects aligned with their corporate social responsibility objectives. These collaborations are expected to extend the reach of healthcare programmes and enhance their impact on communities in need.
The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) was established as a partnership between Global Citizen (GC) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSSF’s mission is to empower organisations through innovative approaches, partnerships, and collaborations to improve the health outcomes of vulnerable people and underserved communities in Nigeria.
