PSHAN Podcast

Nigeria’s progress in advancing medical science, leadership, and gender equality is hindered by systemic challenges. The healthcare sector remains underfunded, with limited resources and a growing brain drain, while academia faces obstacles such as inconsistent funding and inadequate support for research. Women aspiring to leadership roles in these fields often encounter cultural and structural barriers, making their journeys particularly arduous. Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, joins us in an exclusive conversation to discuss how increased investment in healthcare and research, strategic public-private partnerships, and women empowerment can drive transformative change. As a trailblazer in academia and medicine, her insights provide a roadmap for addressing these pressing issues.

This podcast explores the book, “An Imperfect Storm”, authored by Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and his wife, Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu. Dr. Chikwe and Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu sheds light on the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the response of a nascent organization, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), highlighting the story of humanity, public service, hope, resilience, family strength, and partnership. The conversation delves into Nigeria's journey through the pandemic, exploring the strategies, challenges, and successes in managing COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

The objective of the podcast is to explore innovative strategies and practical solutions for enhancing healthcare affordability, accessibility, and standards in Nigeria. The podcast episode seeks to foster a constructive dialogue with actionable insights that can inform policies, programmes, and practices aimed at revolutionising healthcare delivery in Nigeria. During the episode, we will explore the strategies for enhancing healthcare affordability, accessibility, and standards. We’ll also discuss the innovative approaches to address challenges such as limited access to quality healthcare services, high healthcare costs, and infrastructure deficiencies.

In this value-packed episode, our host, Ota Akhigbe, Head, Memberships and Partnerships, engages two extraordinary guests, Bertrand Pedersen – Senior Manager, Private Sector Partnerships and Innovation, GAVI the Vaccine Alliance, who has a robust skill set that includes Project Management, Business Analysis, Customer Service and Consulting and Obinna Chukwudebe - Immunization Policy Manager, West English-Speaking Africa at Sanofi Pasteur, an astute public health expert with a bias for preventive health solutions optimization and an ardent advocate for universal health coverage and equity. Together, they unravel the intricate web of collaborations that propels the healthcare industry forward.

In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, operational efficiency is crucial for delivering high-quality patient care while effectively managing costs. This podcast episode delves into the intersection of healthcare and technology, examining how digital innovation and solution advancements, health policy frameworks, and sustainable health financing models can revolutionize service delivery. In this episode, we discussed case studies that demonstrate successful implementations including challenges and inspire listeners with actionable possibilities to transform their own healthcare practices. This Episode Features Dr Olumide Okunola - Senior Health Specialist - World Bank, Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi - Founder/CEO - Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Uzoma Dozie – Founder - Sparkle The episode is hosted by Afolabi Aiyela (Head, Corporate Comms, PSHAN)

The first episode focuses on establishing a shared understanding of the significance of transforming healthcare systems as a critical method for promoting human capital development. It aims to improve decision-makers' comprehension of the benefits of investing in health system strengthening and to establish the linkages between a more resilient healthcare system and better business outcomes. The episode features Prof. Mohammed Nasir Sambo - Director General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Kunle Oyelana - Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria and Mrs Odunayo Sanya - Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, The episode is hosted by Lesley-Anne Long (CEO & President, GBC Health) and Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe (MD/CEO PSHAN)

In this episode, we will dive into the realm of healthcare financing and discuss the significance of investment in improving access to quality care. We will explore the challenges faced by individuals and communities when it comes to financial barriers in healthcare, such as high treatment costs, insurance complexities, and limited access to affordable services. We aim to highlight various investment areas that can contribute to mitigating these barriers and creating a more equitable healthcare system. The Episode Features Ms. Zouera Youssoufou – MD/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation & Mrs Njide Ndili - Country Director, PharmAccess Foundation. The episode is hosted by Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe (MD/CEO PSHAN)