Stakeholders across Nigeria’s health sector have called for deeper collaboration among the government, private sector and development partners to drive maternal health reforms, strengthen healthcare financing and institutionalise digital health innovations aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths.

The appeal was made on Thursday during the National Policy Dialogue on “Institutionalising Health Financing and Digital Health Innovations in Nigeria: Maternal Health Reforms – A Case for Private Sector Integration,” organised by the Accountability Commitment for Innovative Optimism and Excellence Foundation (ACIOE Foundation) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Addressing participants, the Country Lead for MSD for Mothers, Iyadunni Olubode, stressed that achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria would require deliberate and sustained collaboration between government institutions, private healthcare providers and development partners.

She encouraged stakeholders to ensure that the dialogue produced practical recommendations capable of improving maternal health outcomes nationwide.

Olubode said, “How can we ensure that the people in the private health sector who are supporting the achievement of Universal Health Coverage can make a difference in health outcomes?

“And, of course, even at the subnational level, what will it take to ensure that states can secure the funding they need through their budgets and annual operating plans?”

Reflecting on her experience working across the private sector, government and development organisations, she maintained that Nigeria’s maternal health challenges cannot be solved by any single institution.

“I have had the benefit of working in the private sector. I have worked for the government as well, and I have also worked in the development space with an NGO.

“So I know that we are better together. A tri-sector approach is the best approach, where all of us come together to solve the problem, because we all bring something different to the table, and everything we bring is needed.

“We need regulation from the government, the innovation and capital that the private sector brings, and development partners who can reach the grassroots and provide the financing needed to solve the problem,” she said.

Olubode also urged participants to ensure that the policy dialogue delivered measurable commitments rather than ending as another round of discussions.

“We need to leave this conversation today with very clear and practical recommendations, very clear action plans, and very clear commitments on what it will take.

“I am asking you today to speak up. Your voice is important in this conversation. Do not allow this conversation to happen without bringing your perspective because your perspective is unique and important,” she said.

She further expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued maternal mortality burden, insisting that the country must embrace a different approach if meaningful progress is to be achieved.

“It is not good enough that women continue to die. We need to take this personally.

“I am here as a learner. I need to understand what needs to change, what conversations need to happen, and who needs to do what.

“I do not want us to keep doing things the way we have always done them. Things have to change if we want to see change in our country,” she added.

Earlier, ACIOE Foundation Director, Olukunle Daramola, said sustainable reforms in maternal healthcare would depend on innovative financing, digital transformation and stronger public-private partnerships.

He noted that although Nigeria has expanded maternal healthcare services over the years, maternal mortality remains a pressing public health concern that demands coordinated interventions.

“Achieving universal access to quality maternal healthcare requires more than increased investment.

“It requires innovative financing mechanisms, efficient digital health systems, strong governance and strategic partnerships that leverage the strengths of both the public and private sectors,” he said.

Daramola highlighted the significant contribution of private healthcare providers to healthcare delivery across the country, arguing that they should be fully integrated into ongoing health financing reforms.

“In Nigeria, private healthcare providers deliver a substantial proportion of healthcare services and often serve as the first point of care for many families.

“Their contributions extend beyond service delivery to investments in digital innovation, pharmaceutical supply chains, health technologies, diagnostics, health insurance and workforce development.

“Institutionalising maternal health financing reforms without fully integrating the private sector will leave a significant gap in our efforts to build a resilient and inclusive health system,” he said.

He also called on participants to produce practical recommendations capable of expanding access to quality maternal healthcare while strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

“We expect that today’s deliberations will generate actionable policy recommendations that promote integrated health financing, strengthen digital transformation, encourage private sector investment and ultimately improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.”

Speaking at the event, Senior Manager at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adenike Adepetu, reaffirmed the apex bank’s commitment to creating the regulatory environment required to support healthcare financing and innovation.

She said the discussions would contribute to shaping policies that encourage investment in Nigeria’s health sector.

“We are here today to listen to conversations around policies, innovation and the ideas that will promote digital healthcare and expand healthcare financing in Nigeria.

“Our role, as the Central Bank of Nigeria, is to ensure that the necessary regulatory framework is in place so that financing flows as intended.

“I believe we will have a productive discussion and generate recommendations that we can take back to the Banking Supervision Department to support policies that promote healthcare financing and innovation,” Adepetu said.

Also speaking, Senior Programme and Advocacy Manager at Nigeria Health Watch, Onyekachi Ewe, urged stakeholders to ensure that policy discussions result in tangible improvements in maternal healthcare.

She noted that effective innovations already exist and should be scaled through stronger commitments from policymakers and implementing partners.

“I often ask myself: how quickly are the conversations we are having about improving women’s health translating into real solutions?

“This gathering is about more than exchanging ideas—it is about developing solutions.

“There are already proven solutions, proven innovations and proven concepts that will be presented today.

“We encourage every stakeholder to embrace these ideas and commit to actionable solutions that will drive reforms and create a Nigeria where every mother can safely give birth and fulfil her dreams,” she said.

Expressing optimism about the outcome of the engagement, Ewe added:

“I look forward to a fruitful engagement that leads to actionable commitments and measurable results following today’s conversations,” Ewe added.

Nigeria continues to account for one of the highest maternal mortality burdens globally despite years of interventions. According to the World Health Organisation, the country contributes a significant proportion of global maternal deaths, with preventable pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications remaining a major public health challenge.

In recent years, the Federal Government has intensified reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage through the Sector-Wide Approach, expansion of health insurance coverage, implementation of the National Health Act, digital health initiatives and renewed investments in primary healthcare.

However, stakeholders maintain that achieving sustainable improvements in maternal health will require stronger collaboration among government, development partners, healthcare providers and the private sector, alongside innovative financing mechanisms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Source: Punch