Private sector key to ending maternal deaths, driving health reforms — Stakeholders

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for stronger collaboration among the government, the private sector, and development partners to accelerate maternal health reforms, expand healthcare financing, and institutionalise digital health innovations capable of reducing preventable maternal deaths.

They made the call on Thursday at 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 (ACIOE) Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Speaking at the event, the Country Lead for MSD for Mothers, Iyadunni Olubode, said Nigeria could only achieve Universal Health Coverage through deliberate collaboration among government, the private sector and development partners.

She urged participants to move beyond discussions and produce practical recommendations capable of transforming maternal health outcomes across the country.

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

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

Drawing from her experience across the private, public and development sectors, she stressed that no single institution could solve Nigeria’s maternal health challenges alone.

“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 are able to reach the grassroots and provide the financing needed to solve the problem,” she said.

She challenged participants to ensure the dialogue produced measurable outcomes rather than 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.

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“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.”

Olubode lamented Nigeria’s persistently high maternal mortality burden, saying the country could no longer afford business as usual.

“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, the Director of the ACIOE Foundation, Olukunle Daramola, said sustainable maternal health reforms would require innovative financing, digital transformation and stronger public-private partnerships.

According to him, while Nigeria has made progress in expanding maternal healthcare services, maternal mortality remains an urgent public health challenge requiring coordinated action.

“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 noted that private healthcare providers already account for a substantial share of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and should be fully integrated into 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 further urged stakeholders to develop practical recommendations that would improve access to quality maternal healthcare and strengthen the country’s health system.

“It is our expectation 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.”

Also speaking, Senior Manager at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adenike Adepetu, said the apex bank was committed to providing the regulatory framework needed to strengthen healthcare financing and encourage innovation.

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She said the dialogue would help shape policies that support investments in the 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.

In her remarks, the Senior Programme and Advocacy Manager at Nigeria Health Watch, Onyekachi Ewe, challenged stakeholders to ensure that policy conversations translate into concrete improvements in maternal healthcare.

She said proven innovations already exist and should be scaled through stronger commitments by 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.

She expressed optimism that the engagement would produce measurable outcomes.

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

Nigeria continues to bear one of the world’s highest burdens of maternal mortality despite years of interventions. According to the World Health Organisation, the country accounts for a significant share of global maternal deaths, with preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth remaining a major public health challenge.

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

Stakeholders have, however, consistently argued that achieving sustainable maternal health outcomes will require greater private sector participation, innovative financing models and stronger collaboration among government, development partners and healthcare providers.

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