*Hails Dangote, Ovia, Chigari, other foundations for milestone, impact
James Emejo in Abuja
TChairman of Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has disclosed that financial commitments amounting to over N12 billion had been attracted under the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP) initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the country.
Aig-Imoukhuede said the funding support came from private sector partners, who remained one of the cornerstones of the programme, namely the Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, HOW, Chigari, IHS Nigeria, and the Aig-Imoukhuede foundations. He added that the donations had helped to commence the revitalisation of 176 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the country.
Aig-Imoukhuede said the pilot programme in two selected states had impacted Nigerians, leading to astonishing increases in antenatal care, successful commencement of delivery services, and improvements in immunisation rates, among others.
Speaking while delivering a progress report on the ADHFP at the maiden annual gala of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Aig-Imoukhuede described the donations as invaluable, adding, “but our ambitions don’t stop here.”
Established by the former Chief Executive, Access Bank Plc, ADHFP represents a private sector-driven initiative to provide universal health access for low-income citizens residing in rural and urban areas in Nigeria.
The initiative, which is in collaboration with PSHAN, seeks to, among other things, provide all Nigerians access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare in each of the country’s 774 local government areas and help Africa to win the battle for better healthcare.
Aig-Imoukhuede said it was unacceptable for the continent to continue suffering the effects of diseases, like HIV, AIDS, and Malaria, long after the rest of the world had tamed them.
According to him, “Advanced countries built their capacity to solve their own problems. It is time for us to do the same.”
He also said, “Looking ahead, our targets are ambitious. We plan to raise funds for the revitalisation of the remaining 597 PHCs in our scope. We are optimising fundraising strategies, launching awareness campaigns, and reaching out to international organisations and philanthropic foundations.
“Our vision is clear – to enhance the quality of healthcare services for local communities and transform lives across the nation.
“We also believe in the power of crowdfunding. The ADHFP’s crowdfunding platform, operating on GlobalGiving and Benevity websites, engages potential donors by sharing impactful stories of communities benefiting from the programme. It’s an opportunity for all Nigerians to make a tangible difference, no matter how small our contributions may be.”
Aig-Imoukhuede pointed out that the project’s pilot phase with PHCs in Jumberi Local Government Area in Bauchi State and Boji Boji-Agbor, in Delta State, commenced in late 2022.
He said the two locations had experienced astonishing increases in antenatal care, successful commencement of delivery services, and improvements in immunisation rates.
He stated, “These achievements have touched the lives of countless individuals and families, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Delays in staff training and recruitment, issues with essential medicine availability, and monitoring processes have tested our resolve.
“However, we are not deterred by these challenges. Instead, we are more determined than ever to overcome them. The future of the ADHFP involves expediting staff training and recruitment, strengthening monitoring and evaluation processes, and maintaining robust stakeholder engagement. We are building on our successes, and with your help, we will tackle the remaining obstacles.”
He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to join the efforts and support the ADHFP, telling them, “Your participation is vital for this story to have a successful ending.”
Aig-Imoukhuede further called on individuals, corporations, and organisations to actively join in impacting the lives of millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country by donating generously in cash, providing in-kind contributions, or sharing valuable skill sets.
He said, “I’m excited to learn that Corporate Nigeria is also lending its support to ADHFP. With non-financial resources. For example, Pfizer Nigeria is actively participating in the ADHFP through its volunteer programme.
“Pfizer employees are dedicating their time and expertise to support our initiatives aimed at enhancing primary healthcare services and promoting community well-being. This collaborative spirit exemplifies the commitment of the programme to fostering an impactful healthcare ecosystem.”
Essentially, ADHFP aims to elevate one primary healthcare centre to world-class standards through crowdfunding.
The goal is to improve healthcare standards and accessibility for communities in need by gathering resources and support from individuals and organisations, creating model healthcare centres, and inspiring healthier communities across the country.
