Events
Date
April 27, 2022
Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Improve Access to Quality Maternal Medicines
The critical issue of Nigeria's high maternal mortality rates is partly attributed to sub-standard maternal medicines. The global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 puts forth an urgent target for Nigeria to reduce maternal mortality by about 94% before 2030, calling for immediate action.
In this regard, In April 2022, the Nigeria Health Watch team organized a Policy Dialogue on the theme "Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to Improve Access to Quality Maternal Medicines which underscored the vital role of quality maternal medicines in saving lives, urging for more urgent response to the alarming maternal death rates in the country.
During the dialogue sessions, participants engaged in insightful conversations, sharing their expertise and experiences. They discussed innovative strategies and interventions to combat the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines, with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the forefront, aiming to reduce their prevalence to below 5% by 2025. The key focus was on building a robust pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem, relying on efficient policies, regulatory frameworks, and innovative partnerships. Crucial elements for successful collaborations were identified as trust, accountability, and vision alignment between public and private entities. The dialogue culminated in key recommendations, emphasizing the significance of ensuring quality access to healthcare and preventing maternal deaths. Areas of focus include enhancing the supply chain, increasing awareness among policymakers and stakeholders, harnessing digital technology, promoting research, and improving health literacy among Nigerians.
