By Fatima Saka
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has called on healthcare practitioners across Africa to prioritise Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a critical strategy for strengthening and expanding the continent’s healthcare system.
Salako made the call on Tuesday during a Healthcare Leadership Conference session at the World Health Expo organised by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Enabling Market Access and Investment Readiness to Drive Health System Transformation,” brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, investors, and international exhibitors from across Africa and beyond.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, the minister described PPP as a vital instrument for healthcare financing and sustainable system development.
“A sustainable and standard healthcare system requires stronger public-private collaboration. Africa has vast expertise and resources that can be better harnessed through synergy,” Salako said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering partnerships that will improve healthcare delivery, financing, and standards, noting that the expo remains one of the most impactful healthcare platforms on the continent.
On disease preparedness, Salako assured that Nigeria has intensified surveillance measures at all entry points to prevent the transmission of Ebola, highlighting ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that the state government is implementing healthcare financial reforms aimed at ensuring universal access to quality healthcare through expanded health insurance coverage.
According to Abayomi, the initiative is designed to reduce out-of-pocket spending, improve access to care, and stimulate investment in the health sector.
“We are promoting insurance uptake so that citizens have financial protection against unpredictable health challenges. This will also strengthen supply and demand dynamics in the healthcare system,” he said.
The Exhibition Manager of the expo, Daniel Green, noted that the event attracted over 300 exhibitors from countries including China, India, Pakistan, Morocco, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
He described Africa as a rapidly growing economic hub with significant potential to expand its healthcare market through increased investment and innovation.
In his keynote address, Prof. Aliko Ahmed, Special Regional Representative for West Africa RCC, stressed the need for African manufacturers to prioritise quality and standards, noting that product excellence is essential for accessing global markets.
Earlier, the President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Ms. Njide Ndili, reiterated the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen healthcare systems across the continent.
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She said the exhibition was designed to promote healthcare consumables, equipment, and services, while fostering partnerships that will drive long-term sector growth.
The three-day event continues to serve as a strategic platform for advancing healthcare investment, innovation, and policy dialogue in Africa.
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