PSHAN CEO, Akinbolagbe Advocates For Strengthening Healthcare Through Innovation And Collaboration

Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO of Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), recently took the stage as a distinguished panelist at the World Future Health Africa (WFHA) 2024, held in partnership with African Business Coalition for Health (ABC Health).

The event, an Institutional Partnership with KAOUN and the International arm of Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), was hosted under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and took place from 29th to 31st May 2024 at the GITEX Africa Center in Marrakech, Morocco.

The panel session, “Global Perspectives of Private Health in Africa: Improving Health Outcomes,” convened leading experts to discuss the private sector’s pivotal role in transforming healthcare across Africa. The attendees included government officials, business leaders, health experts, and investors.

The session was hosted by Dr Mories Atoki, CEO of ABC Health. Dr Akinbolagbe joined other notable panelists including Dr. Imane Kendili, President, African Global Health (AGH); Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, CEO, HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria and NIBUCAA (Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS); Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Nigeria Foundation; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; Ibironke Akinmade, Group Head of Health Sector Finance, Sterling Bank; and  Slava Sazhin, Founder, Doctoratwork.com

During the session, the panelists explored various strategies for leveraging private sector investments to enhance healthcare access and quality, especially in resource-constrained regions. They shared insights and opportunities for driving economic growth through improved healthcare provision.

Dr Akinbolagbe emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative healthcare solutions to improve health outcomes.

“To fully harness the potential we’ve discussed today, we must collaborate directly with the private sector. In many low- and middle-income countries, funds are scarce, and bridging this gap requires private sector involvement. The private sector can provide technology, healthcare infrastructure, and expertise in supply chain management, including innovative financing solutions. My organisation, PSHAN, is pioneering the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), which unites private sector stakeholders to pool their resources and work closely with government agencies at all levels to deliver quality primary healthcare to Nigerians,” she stated.

The WFHA 2024 event also focused on catalysing partnerships and impact investments to bolster Africa’s healthcare systems. The discussions highlighted the significant contributions of the private sector in Africa, which accounts for approximately 60% of healthcare financing and 50% of total health expenditure on the continent. The panellists stressed the need for innovative approaches and best practices to address healthcare challenges and unlock the potential of private health investments.

Dr. Akinbolagbe’s participation at WFHA 2024 underscores PSHAN’s ongoing dedication to encouraging collaborative efforts that strengthen healthcare delivery and accessibility throughout Africa, especially for underserved communities. PSHAN is committed to mobilising private sector resources to support impactful health initiatives directly benefiting the nation.