SP4FP-MNCH END OF PROJECT DISSEMINATION EVENT

HSCL and partners have held the end of project dissemination event for the Nigeria State Led Strategic Purchasing for Family Planning and Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (SP4FP-MNCH) project. The event which underscored the collective efforts and dedication of the implementing partners and stakeholders was held at Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and provided an opportunity to share the achievements of the project over the past 5 years.

SP4FP-MNCH is a 5-year project funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of state institutions in strategic purchasing for health services, increasing CPR and reducing maternal mortality through the integration of FP/MNCH services into the benefit package. Other objectives of the project include improving systems & platforms for private health sector engagement and participation, increasing uptake of health insurance policies, and supporting the implementation of strategies for informal sector enrolment.

The SP4FP-MNCH project was implemented by a consortium led by HSCL. Other members of the consortium include Center for Communications and Social Impact (CCSI), InSight Health Consulting Limited and HPRG.

Welcoming the guests at the event, the HSCL Founding Partner, Dr. Nkata Chuku expressed his joy at the successful completion of the project, adding that the best part is that there is so much to show for it, especially with the testimonies from the project beneficiaries.

“It’s a special day for me because the beautiful journey that started 5 years and 8 months ago is coming to an end, and we have so much impact to show for it” he said, while also thanking the implementing partners for the roles they played to ensure the success of the project.

Speaking on the impact of the project, HSCL’s Director, Sustainable Development Dr. Kolade Oluwatosin highlighted some of the project achievements to include the development of a consolidated TA plan for LASHMA, assessment of LASHMA’s institutional & staff capacity, sponsoring 4 senior management staff of LASHMA on a study tour to the Rwanda Health Insurance Council, supporting the baseline assessment of 1,256 health facilities, and developing a 5 years HEFAMAA strategy plan. Other project milestones include supporting the production and broadcast of jingles and other visibility materials for the Ilera Eko Scheme.

In her goodwill message, the Senior Program Officer, Country Impact and Program Planning, BMGF, Madam Rodio Diallo congratulated HSCL and their partners for this project a success, adding that the expectation is for more successes in the future. She urged the government of Lagos State and Nigeria to strive towards improving on the current health indicators.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri noted that health poverty and lack of access to basic healthcare needs is a big problem in Nigeria.

“Health poverty is a major issue in our communities, especially for those in the very fragile middle class” he said, adding that the principles of strategic purchasing applied in the SP4FP/MNCH project helps to alleviate this. Dr. Ohiri also said that the SP4FP-MNCH project has enhanced access to vulnerable populations by promoting universal health coverage.

In his closing statement, HSCL’s Managing Partner, Dr. Alozie Ananaba thanked the project partners for their commitment throughout the project lifespan. He also thanked everyone for attending the end of project dissemination event while also expressing his joy at the project sustainability plan.

“It’s been a wonderful 5 years in Lagos. We usually create beautiful initiatives but without a sustainability plan. But the SP4FP-MNCH project has ensured sustainability with good stakeholder involvement, and this should be replicated in other states” he concluded.

High points of the event include a panel discussion on State-Led Health Insurance and the Sector Wide Approach: Implementation, Implications and Opportunities for Universal Health Coverage.

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