The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at revitalising primary healthcare by adopting and supporting 222 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the country. This strategic move is intended to enhance the functionality and service delivery of these facilities, which remain critical to Nigeria’s health system.
Dr Terfa Kene, the newly elected President of the association, announced the plan during a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday. The event also served to introduce the association’s newly constituted leadership, following elections held on 13 March during APHPN’s annual conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Dr Kene pointed out that, despite repeated advocacy efforts, funding and investment in PHC centres from both public and private stakeholders have continued to decline.
“While the government has made some efforts, they are still insufficient given the size of our population,” he said.
He elaborated that the association would adopt a minimum of 222 PHCs—six from each state—and channel resources into improving their infrastructure and service delivery. This would include the installation of renewable energy sources, especially solar power, to ensure more consistent operations.
To support the initiative financially, the association plans to explore various funding channels, including crowdfunding, philanthropic contributions, and grants. APHPN also aims to mobilise its members across the country to provide medical outreach programmes, telehealth services, and ongoing supervision at the adopted PHCs.
In a move to expand its knowledge-sharing capabilities, the association will launch the APHPN Virtual School, with operational studios based in Delta State and the Federal Capital Territory. According to Dr Kene, the school will serve as a central hub for verified public health information, catering to both health professionals and the general public.
“We also intend to engage our colleagues in the diaspora to reverse the effects of brain drain through knowledge sharing and skills transfer,” he added.
In alignment with its broader mandate, APHPN has also established the APHPN Consultancy Services Limited (ACOSEL). The consultancy arm will offer national and international public health services to government bodies, institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
Emphasising the pivotal role local governments play in primary healthcare delivery, Dr Kene expressed concern over the lack of medical officers of health in the majority of local government areas (LGAs), noting that only 40% currently have such officers in place.
“We plan to partner with local governments to provide information, training, and engagement on the importance of primary health care.
“Our members will be linked to specific PHCs to carry out outreach activities at least twice a year, especially around World Health Day and World Heart Day,” he said.
Dr Augustine Ajogwu, the association’s Secretary-General, underscored the importance of PHCs in epidemic detection and control, stressing that disease outbreaks typically begin and end at the community level.
“Effective disease surveillance must be rooted in the community. Without strong surveillance structures tied to PHCs, it’s impossible to break the chain of infection,” he said.
Dr Ajogwu called for the deployment of Medical Officers of Health across all LGAs to bolster PHC oversight and effectiveness. He noted that the World Health Organization recommends establishing at least one PHC in every ward and urged sustained advocacy and systemic reform to ensure improved health outcomes nationwide.