Frontpage News (3251)
Healthcare Federation of Nigeria Announces 10th Anniversary Celebrations
HFN
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has announced the commencement of activities to celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2025, marking a decade of transformative impact on Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The milestone will be commemorated at the HFN Annual Conference 2025, scheduled to hold on February 27–28, 2025.
The organization disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday, December 18, where it outlined an array of activities planned to mark the milestone anniversary. It also unveiled the theme for the 2025 Annual Conference: “Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare: Transforming Nigeria through Innovation, Partnership, and Sustainability.”
The press conference was attended by several key HFN officials and members, including Dr. Pamela Ajayi, President of the HFN; Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, Co-Chair of the HFN Annual Conference Planning Committee; Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, Chairman of the Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN); Dr. Itunu Akinware, Managing Director of Medbury Medical Services; and Mr. Ayodeji Oni, Executive Secretary of HFN.
Speaking at the press conference, the President of HFN, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, discussed the federation’s mission and the remarkable progress made over the past decade. She explained that HFN was established in 2015 with the goal of supporting the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by activating the private sector. "HFN has created a platform that bridges the divide between public and private sectors in healthcare and fosters collaboration to transform the state of health systems in Nigeria," she said. Dr. Ajayi expressed that as the 10th anniversary approaches, HFN is proud of the progress made but remains committed to pushing for further improvements in the healthcare system.
Dr. Ajayi reflected on the federation’s key achievements, acknowledging the collective efforts of HFN’s members and partners in advancing the healthcare agenda in Nigeria. "Over the last decade, we have stood as a champion for advocacy, partnerships, and innovation," she remarked. She highlighted that HFN’s consistent engagement with policymakers and its focus on addressing critical healthcare challenges have led to tangible improvements in the country’s healthcare sector. Despite these strides, Dr. Ajayi stressed that there is still much work to be done. "This is a moment to celebrate the strides we have made, but it is also a time to reflect on the work that still lies ahead," she added.
Looking forward to the next decade, Dr. Ajayi reaffirmed HFN’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable healthcare system. "As we enter this new decade, we remain committed to building a resilient healthcare system that is equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all Nigerians," she stated. Dr. Ajayi emphasized that HFN will continue to drive innovation, foster stronger partnerships, and advocate for reforms that will shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria. She concluded by calling for renewed efforts across the sector, saying, "This anniversary is a call to action for all of us—to redouble our efforts, inspire new collaborations, and collectively work towards achieving Universal Health Coverage."
Also speaking, the Co-Chair of the HFN Annual Conference 2025 Planning Committee, Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, shared insights into the conference theme and its focus on tackling key challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system. She explained that the theme, “Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare: Transforming Nigeria through Innovation, Partnership, and Sustainability,” was chosen to emphasize the urgent need for innovation and collaboration in healthcare. The conference will explore vital topics such as healthcare policy reforms, system strengthening, and financing solutions, with the aim of creating a more resilient and accessible healthcare system for Nigeria.
Mrs. Okorocha further outlined the format of the two-day event, which will be packed with insights and collaborative discussions. "The conference will feature three sessions each day, focusing on critical areas like healthcare innovation, policy reform, and financing. Attendees can expect a dynamic blend of expert panels, workshops, and interactive discussions designed to provide actionable insights that will contribute to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape,” she said. The format aims to create a space for experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to engage in meaningful dialogues and exchange innovative ideas.
In addition to the core conference sessions, Mrs. Okorocha highlighted several exciting activities planned to engage attendees and celebrate HFN’s legacy. These include a Gala Dinner and Award Night to honor outstanding contributions to healthcare, as well as the HFN Women’s Forum Event, which will focus on empowering women in healthcare. The conference will also feature a 10th Anniversary Celebration Event to mark a decade of impact and innovation, alongside exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge healthcare technologies and solutions. These activities, she noted, are designed to foster collaboration, recognize excellence, and celebrate HFN's significant role in advancing healthcare in Nigeria.
The celebration promises to be a year of reflection, recognition, and progress. HFN is committed to charting a course for the next decade, fostering collaboration, and advancing reforms to ensure equitable, accessible healthcare for all Nigerians.
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is the umbrella body for private-sector stakeholders committed to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Founded in 2015, HFN has been instrumental in advancing healthcare policy reforms, fostering collaborations, and enhancing access to quality healthcare solutions.
VACANCY FOR THE POST OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/GENERAL MANAGER
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is the umbrella body for private healthcare stakeholders in Nigeria. The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, which aims to advocate and amplify members' collective voices to advance healthcare in Nigeria. The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria has a vacancy for the post of Executive Secretary.
The Responsibilities of the Executive Secretary/ General Manager are as follows:
● Provide leadership and vision for the Organization's employees and human resources as well as promoting the vision among stakeholders in order to promote unity within the constituent parts of the organization.
● Providing oversight for the HFN's secretariat and reporting to the Executive Committee (Exco).
● Developing and coordinating activities in alignment with the HFN's Mission and Vision.
● Collaborating with the President/EXCO to formulate and execute the HFN's 5-year strategic plan.
● Engage the external community and critical stakeholders to build essential relationships for the organization.
● Promote awareness of the organization to the public and outside community in order to recruit donors and volunteers to achieve set goals and objectives.
● Initiating and overseeing fundraising activities.
● Drafting concept documents, proposals, and contracts.
● Representing the HFN at meetings and conferences as required.
● Expanding the HFN's membership portfolio.
● Effectively managing program finances against budget allocations.
● Ensuring monthly accounts are reconciled and the organization's books are audited biannually.
● Organizing parleys, programs, trainings, workshops, and conferences to advance organizational goals.
● Strengthening relationships between the organization and the Government, Organized Private Sector, and Development Partners.
● Forming and advancing partnerships, collaborations, and treaties between the HFN and its member organizations to create shared value and advance organizational objectives.
● Growing the HFN through regional and international affiliations and collaborations to elevate Nigeria’s Health Sector to global standards of excellence.
● Ensuring adherence to the organization’s goals and objectives at all times.
● Administration of the human and material resources to achieve set goals and objectives, while developing and maintaining a culture that promotes integrity and ethical values throughout the organization, and fostering a culture of ethical business conduct.
● Promote and protect the Corporation’s reputation in its markets and with all customers, communities, and government and regulatory bodies.
● Create a culture within the organization that supports the achievement of strategic and operational objectives by ensuring rigor in the recruitment, selection, individual development and the monitoring of executive team members and other senior management personnel, thus ensuring the organization maintains a strong succession plan.
● Oversee the development and compliance with key organizational policies, including policies regarding governance, social responsibility, risk management and financial reporting.
● Shall report to the Executive Council and ensure thatthe Council is kept apprised in a timely manner of the operations and main issues facing the organization while ensuring that there is an effective relationship between management and the members of the Council.
● Conveneand organize ordinary and Annual General Meetings (AGM).
● Act as the custodian of the organization's records. This duty involves ensuring the organizational records aremaintained and are available upon request by authorized Council members.
● Anyother task assigned by the Management or EXCO.
Requirements
Interested candidates must have the following qualifications:
● First degree in Healthcare or allied disciplines;
● AMasterDegree is an added advantage;
● Must be member of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA) or any other relevant professional body;
● Minimum of 10 years experience at executive management level preferably from Healthcare or Manufacturing Industry;
● Candidates must be medically fit;
● Candidates must be of proven good character and integrity;
● Clinical Experience(s)/Medical Research is an added advantage;
● Demonstrable corporate governance skills, business acumen and technical competence developed over the years, supported by keen appreciation of strategy development and management of human and material resources.
● Excellent leadership and marketing skills demonstrated through effective stakeholders’ engagement.
● Mustbeable to prepare and implement a budget and be financially literate.
● Knowledge of Computer/Information and Communication Technology is compulsory. The candidate must be adept with the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point as well as financial and other essential software.
Remuneration
This position attracts competitive compensation packages
Apply Below
Healthcare Federation of Nigeria Gears Up for Premier Annual Conference
HFN
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) proudly announces its forthcoming Annual Conference, the pinnacle convergence of private healthcare stakeholders in Nigeria. Set to take place on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th February 2024, at the prestigious Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, this landmark event will explore the theme "Bridging the Gaps in Healthcare: Public-Private Integration as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth."
The HFN Annual Conference serves as a pivotal platform where thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts converge to deliberate on critical issues shaping the trajectory of healthcare in Nigeria. Building on the impact of our previous conferences, this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal moment for shaping the trajectory of healthcare in our country.
Distinguished guests expected to grace the occasion include the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, alongside prominent figures from the public healthcare sphere. Their presence is a testament to the conference's significance as a forum for constructive dialogue between public and private healthcare entities.
Key Highlights of the Conference:
- Date: Thursday 8th and Friday 9th, February, 2024
- Venue: The Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos
The comprehensive agenda includes plenaries, engaging presentations, insightful deep dives, vibrant exhibitions showcasing the latest innovations, and constructive debates that promise to shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria. As a celebratory finale, the conference will feature a Gala Award Dinner recognizing outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector.
"The HFN Annual Conference is not just an event; it's a collaborative journey toward a healthier, more resilient Nigeria. We are thrilled to provide a space where the public and private sectors can unite, share insights, and collectively drive positive change in our healthcare landscape," said Dr Pamela Ajayi, President of HFN.
We would like to thank our partners and sponsors including Pharmaccess, Bridge Clinic, Advantage Health Africa, Leadway Health Limited, Pirano Energy, amongst others. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare, and we look forward to even greater collaborations ahead.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and conference registration, please contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN):
The HFN is a coalition of stakeholders in the private healthcare sector. It is an apolitical, non-partisan, nonprofit organization aiming to collectively advocate for improving Nigeria’s private health sector. Committed to advancing the quality of healthcare services, HFN catalyzes collaboration and innovation in the Nigerian healthcare industry.
HFN Announces Mrs. Bola Adesola as New Chairman of the Board of Trustees
HFN
PRESS RELEASE
Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Announces Mrs. Bola Adesola as New Chairman of the Board of Trustees
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Bola Adesola as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees. This announcement comes following the dedicated service and leadership of Mr. Asue Ighodalo, the pioneer Chairman of the HFN Board of Trustees, who played a pivotal role in steering the organization to achieve remarkable growth and success.
A Distinguished Leader in Banking and Finance:
Mrs. Adesola is a highly accomplished professional in the banking and financial services industry. Currently serving as the Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria Limited, she brings over 34 years of experience to her new role. Her impressive career includes holding the position of Senior Vice Chairman, Africa for Standard Chartered Bank, and Chairman of the Bank in Mauritius. Mrs. Adesola has also made significant contributions to renowned institutions such as Citibank and First Bank of Nigeria.
Extensive Involvement in Corporate Governance and Diversity Initiatives:
Beyond her successful career, Mrs. Adesola has been actively involved in various professional associations, corporate governance, and gender diversity initiatives. She co-founded Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Nigeria’s leading gender-oriented network, showcasing her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Global Recognition for Visionary Leadership:
Mrs. Adesola's visionary leadership has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. She served as Vice-Chairman of the United Nations Global Compact for three years and currently holds sits on the Leadership Council of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) and the Governing Council of Nigeria University of Technology and Management.
A Personal Touch:
Mrs. Adesola is not only a dedicated professional but also a proud mother of twin girls. Known for her avid reading habits and passion for art, she brings a unique blend of professional acumen and personal interests to her new role.
Welcoming Mrs. Bola Adesola:
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria is enthusiastic about the wealth of experience and leadership that Mrs. Adesola brings to the organization. Having been a Trustee on the board of HFN since inception, her strategic guidance is anticipated to play a crucial role in steering the HFN toward even greater achievements.
Expressing Gratitude:
The HFN expresses sincere gratitude to Mr. Asue Ighodalo for his outstanding leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His contributions have been invaluable in shaping the organization's journey.
Join Us in Welcoming Mrs. Bola Adesola:
We invite all our members and stakeholders to join us in welcoming Mrs. Bola Adesola to her new role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the HFN, and we look forward to the continued success and growth under her leadership.
About HFN:
The HFN is a coalition of stakeholders in the private healthcare sector. It is an apolitical, non-partisan, nonprofit organization aiming to collectively advocate for improving Nigeria’s private health sector. Committed to advancing the quality of healthcare services, HFN catalyzes collaboration and innovation in the Nigerian healthcare industry.
HFN Advocates for Policy Reforms in Strategic Meeting with Minister of State for Health
HFN
The President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Dr. Pamela Ajayi, on Tuesday, November 21st, led a high-profile HFN delegation in a strategic meeting with the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja. The meeting saw the participation of key figures in the healthcare sector, including Mrs. Njide Ndili, Vice President of HFN and Country Director of Pharmaccess; Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, CEO of Cedarcrest Hospitals; Dr. Ibrahim Wada, CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital; Dr. Boroji Osindero, CEO of Wellpath Physiotherapy; Dr. Adegoyega Oridota, CEO of Medcourt Support Services; Dr. Andrew Alaefule, Country General Manager of DCL Laboratory Products; Dr. Fola Adebowale, CEO of Recon Health Media, amongst others.
Dr. Ajayi provided a comprehensive overview of HFN's initiatives over the years, with a specific emphasis on advocacy efforts for the National Policy on Incentivizing the Healthcare Sector. One of the key proposals put forth was the establishment of a dedicated customs fast-track corridor for efficient healthcare cargo clearance. The delegation also advocated for zero-duty tax levies and sought exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and life-saving equipment.
In response, Minister Alausa expressed his pleasure at meeting with Dr. Ajayi and the HFN team, acknowledging the importance of collaboration with organizations like HFN to enhance healthcare access, practices, and quality. He stressed the significance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in implementing Universal Health Coverage and achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
The minister concluded by expressing his anticipation of working closely with HFN and other private organizations to strengthen the healthcare system, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing the nation's health outcomes. The strategic meeting signifies a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to address critical issues within the healthcare landscape, reflecting a commitment to achieving comprehensive and sustainable improvements in Nigeria's healthcare sector.
Women have been advised to be mindful of their sleep position during pregnancy and to avoid sleeping on their stomach or back to avoid complications. According to an Abuja-based gynaecologist, Dr. Philips Ekpe, it is important for women to avoid any sleep position that would make the uterus compress either on the blood vessel or on the bladder, especially when the pregnancy is advanced.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the medic, who is a former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association, said the best sleeping position is to lie on any of the sides.
Medical experts have described appendicitis as one of the leading causes of surgical emergency admission in most hospitals, warning that delayed appendicectomy, may lead to ruptured appendicitis complications, which can cause infections and even death.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, appendicectomy is a medical term used for the surgical removal of an infected appendix – a finger-shaped pouch that sticks out from the colon on the lower right side of the belly, also called the abdomen.
Why parents should restrict visitors from touching their newborns – Paediatricians
Site Admin
Child health experts have advised parents to limit the number of visitors their newborns come in close contact with to avoid exposing them to infection as their immunity is not yet strong enough to fight infections.
According to the physicians, it is wrong for parents to allow extended family and friends, unrestricted access to their babies citing high vulnerability to diseases. They said though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to visiting a newborn, it is important for new parents to set boundaries and take precautions so their new baby can stay healthy.
Pregnant women need good diet to beat anaemia, bleeding – Gynaecologists
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Maternal health experts have said pregnant women need adequate and balanced diets to build their immune system in order to effectively fight against anaemia and bleeding which often lead to poor pregnancy outcomes.
The gynaecologists said pregnant women must eat good diets containing both macronutrients and micronutrients to be able to overcome some of the complications associated with childbirth.
More...
Why women with heart disease, hypertension shouldn’t have more than three children
Site Admin
Maternal health experts say women with chronic diseases such as cancer, hypertension, sickle cell anaemia, diabetes and heart disease should avoid having too many children, warning that they are prone to serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
They said women with chronic diseases, who try to have many children stand the risk of death and advised on a maximum of three children. The gynaecologists, however, said women giving birth to many children without underlying health conditions are likewise endangering their lives, as many pregnancies place a heavy burden on a woman,
‘Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy dangerous may be sign of placenta problem’
Site Admin
A maternal health expert, Dr. Labaran Aliyu, says a woman cannot be pregnant and be menstruating at the same time, warning that any bleeding that is seen after the confirmation of pregnancy is dangerous and might be a sign that the placenta is located in an abnormal place, a condition known as placenta previa.
Aliyu, who is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, noted that bleeding during pregnancy is an indication of complications while advising pregnant women experiencing such to see an expert in a hospital for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Lagos introduces anti-cancer vaccine into routine immunisation schedule
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The Lagos State Government has introduced an anti-cancer vaccine, Human PapillomaVirus vaccine into the state’s routine immunisation schedule to tackle the increasing rate of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, said the state government in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and development partners will be commencing the HPV campaign for all girls aged nine to 14 years as one of the phase 1 state routine immunisation in Nigeria.
Breastfeeding while lying down may result in infant suffocation, death – Experts
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The practice of lying down to breastfeed has been frowned upon by experts and they warn that such could lead to complications, suffocation and even death for an infant.
They noted that many nursing mothers, who try to breastfeed while lying down tend to doze off due to tiredness, leaving the babies to struggle with the weight of their mothers’ breasts, which in some cases, leads to suffocation, especially when the breasts are big.
