The Society for Family Health (SFH) has announced a major commitment.
The organization plans to facilitate the enrollment of 1.9 million people living with HIV into the national health insurance scheme.
This initiative marks a significant step forward. It integrates critical public health services into Nigeria’s domestic financing framework.
Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, the Managing Director of SFH, confirmed the organization’s readiness. He stated they will support the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the upcoming implementation phase. This phase aims to incorporate comprehensive services for:
- HIV
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Family Planning (FP)
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
The collaboration has specific operational goals. It aims to map NHIA-accredited facilities capable of offering these specialized services. Additionally, the partnership targets the treatment of approximately 500,000 tuberculosis cases annually under the insurance scheme.
“SFH will also contribute to strengthening commodity supply and logistics for HIV, TB and FP services within the insurance framework,” Idogho stated.
He emphasized that the organization would assist the NHIA in enhancing its Quality Assurance System. This ensures strict adherence to national protocols and international best practices.
The Road to Integration
The journey toward integration began recently. The two bodies formalized their strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2023.
Idogho highlighted the technical groundwork laid over the past year. Following a multi-stakeholder workshop in March 2023, SFH engaged an internationally licensed health actuary. They developed a financial model based on cost data collected from public and private facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
These findings were instrumental in revising the National Basic Minimum Package of Healthcare. Consequently, the Ministerial Oversight Committee updated the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
This led to the launch of BHCPF 2.0, which officially incorporates comprehensive HIV, TB, and FP services into the benefit package.
Transitioning from Donor Dependence
The push for integration is driven by an urgent financial reality. For decades, Nigeria’s response to HIV—affecting an estimated 1.8 to 2 million citizens—has relied heavily on external donor funding from organizations like PEPFAR and the Global Fund.
However, with international support shrinking, stakeholders recognize a problem. Relying on donors is no longer a viable long-term strategy.
“With diminishing donor funding, the organisation recognised the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure continuity of services,” Idogho explained. This reality informed their advocacy approach to the NHIA.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
During the announcement, SFH honored the NHIA leadership. They presented an award to the Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, recognizing his commitment to expanding the framework.
The collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). By leveraging the revised National Health Insurance Act of 2022, which made health insurance mandatory, the authority is better positioned to cover essential services previously funded by foreign aid.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Hails Legislative Speed as New Defence Chief Takes Charge
