MTN Foundation and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHSAN) have signed a partnership agreement at the MTN Atlantis office to upgrade Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) under the “What Can We Do Together” (WCWDT) Initiative.
According to the MTN Foundation, the partnership aims to upgrade primary healthcare centres across Nigeria, with the MTN Foundation planning to renovate 52 PHCs by June of this year. While the MTN Foundation will commit to upgrading and equipping these facilities, PSHAN will ensure the projects’ sustainability and that they deliver a lasting impact on the communities.
Commenting on the partnership, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, said, “Today, we make history as two organizations come together to push the sustainable agenda. The MTN Foundation is committed to improving healthcare in Nigeria; hence, through the “What Can We Do Together” Initiative, we have been investing in upgrading PHCs since 2015. PSHAN brings strong competencies to ensure sustainability and improve the impact of this initiative.”
Mrs. Sanya mentioned that considering the challenges that Nigerians face around access to health, organizations must pull their weight and resources to safeguard the Nigerian people.
Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PSHAN, Dr. Titilayo Akinbolagbe, said the partnership aimed at ensuring a positive impact at the grassroots level.
“In implementing this nationwide program, PSHAN and MTN Foundation play pivotal roles, showcasing a collaborative approach to healthcare improvement in Nigeria. MTN Foundation’s commitment to 52 selected PHCs across Nigeria underscores their commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services across all geopolitical zones.”
The Nigerian healthcare industry is facing challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, deteriorating medical infrastructure, low government budget allocation, poor compensation, and subsequent emigration of skilled healthcare workers. This makes the partnership and intervention of organizations like MTN Foundation and PSHAN very important.
