‎At AHBS2025, held in Abuja Nigeria, a powerful convergence of health leaders from across the continent gathered to innovate to accelerate Africa toward Universal Health Coverage. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Nigeria, who set the stage for collaboration, forward-thinking, and impactful change. ‎ ‎Distinguished delegates included Lynda Decker Dr, incoming President of FOASPS WAPHF, the President of the Africa Health Federation, Dr Amit N. Thakker ,EBS, Alexander Chimbaru, (Advisory Health Security) World Health Organization, Kokou ALINON, Regional Director for West Africa Regional Coordinating Center (RCC), OLUMIDE OKUNOLA, The World Bank, President of the Healthcare Federation of Ghana (HFG), Dr Charles Fordjour, President of the Healthcare Federation of Liberia, Dr. Momolu S. Johnson, and other influential dignitaries and stakeholders. The energy in the room was electric—fueled by a shared commitment to transforming Africa’s health systems. ‎ ‎In her remarks, Mrs. Njide Ndili, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) and Country Director of PharmAccess Nigeria, celebrated HFN’s continuous drive for private sector inclusion and innovation. Her message highlighted the tangible gains made through HFN advocacy and collaboration: ‎ ‎? Success Highlights from HFN’s Journey Toward UHC: ‎?️ 0% Tax Incentives for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and lifesaving equipment—driving affordability and access. ‎?️ The establishment and institutionalization of the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF). ‎?️Successfully demonstrated the impact of private sector partnerships at the PHC level with zero maternal mortality recorded over a 5 year period in Delta State. ?️Policy Advocacy at different levels with HFN members actively contributing to seven government committees shaping Nigeria’s health future. ‎HFN, which is a Host Partner of the AHB 2025 symposium, affirms its central role in bridging the public-private divide and underscored how inclusive partnerships anchored in innovation can advance health equity and system sustainability across the continent. ‎ ‎As Day 1 of AHBS2025 concluded, one thing was clear: Africa’s health transformation will be powered by partnerships, performance, and purpose. ‎ ‎hashtag#HFNxAHB2025 hashtag#HFN

Africa Primary Health Care Forum (APHCF)  | July 15, 2025  

Main Theme: REIMAGINING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa 

It may be time to formally integrate private sector to running of PHCs. 

AT APHCF2025, the President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Njide Ndili, delivered a compelling goodwill message that set the tone for innovation, collaboration, and system-wide transformation in primary health care. In her opening remarks, she challenged the audience to break from past missteps and adopt fresh approaches: In her words, “If what we were doing was correct, primary healthcare could be working."

Also, in a high-level plenary session titled “Public-Private Partnership: Leveraging Resources for Sustainable Health Systems,” moderated by Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede (Executive Vice Chair, Aig-Imoukkhuede Foundation). Mrs. Ndili joined distinguished leaders Dr. Dere Awosika OON, MFR, mni (Chairwoman, Access Bank), Dr. Jadesola Idowu (Chief Operating Officer, AXA Mansard Health), Dr. Fola Laoye(Co-Founder and CEO at Iwosan Investments Limited), and Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas (Special Adviser to the President on Health), ably represented. Njide Ndili spoke on the efforts of HFN in forging an enabling environment where government and private sector interests align. 

Key Takeaways from her address included: 

Policy Implementation & Investment Incentives 

Urgent reforms must move beyond the drafting stage to execution, backed by long-term incentives—such as tax breaks—and anchored in stability and transparency to attract sustained private investment. 

Elevating Quality of Care 

Closing the trust gap in public health requires enforceable quality standards and performance-based incentives. Scalable quality models implemented by LASHMA and NHIA demonstrate how linking funding to care quality can drive results. 

Infrastructure Solutions for Service Delivery  

Unreliable electricity remains a critical barrier, forcing some clinics to perform basic procedures by flashlight. Policies that reduce punitive power tariffs and foster innovative energy partnerships are essential—especially for rural and underserved facilities. 

Success Stories in Public-Private Partnership  

In Delta State, an HFN-led collaboration revitalized 15 non-functional primary health centers, achieving zero maternal mortality over five years, attracting new private investment, creating jobs, and delivering measurable economic returns. 

In conclusion, the plenary affirmed that charting a path to universal health coverage and health security in Africa hinges on deliberate, well-aligned partnerships—underpinned by robust policy execution, quality assurance, infrastructure reform, and transparent governance.