Public health doctors in Nigeria have raised concerns about the poor state of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the country, blaming years of low investment by government, individuals, and communities.
The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja. The association also announced it would adopt 222 PHCs to improve their services.
Dr. Terfa Kene, the new president of the association, said, “We have decided to adopt a minimum of 222 PHCs—six in each state—and invest time and resources to enhance their functionality. This includes providing essential services and renewable energy like solar power.”
Dr. Kene said that although the government has made some efforts, they are not enough for a country as large as Nigeria. He added that the group will raise funds through crowdfunding, donations, and grants to support the selected clinics.
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APHPN members across the states will provide medical outreach, supervision, and telehealth services to the adopted PHCs. The association also plans to launch a virtual learning platform—APHPN Virtual School—with studios in Delta State and Abuja to teach public health knowledge.
“We also intend to engage our colleagues in the diaspora to reverse the effects of brain drain through knowledge sharing and skills transfer,” Dr. Kene added.
Speaking at the event, the association’s Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine Ajogwu, stressed the importance of PHCs in fighting disease outbreaks.
He said, “Outbreaks begin and end in communities. Without strong surveillance structures tied to PHCs, it’s impossible to break the chain of infection.”
Dr. Ajogwu called for the deployment of Medical Officers of Health in every Local Government Area to monitor and supervise PHC activities. He also urged the government to follow World Health Organization guidelines, which recommend at least one PHC in every ward.
He concluded by calling for continued advocacy and reforms to improve health services and protect Nigerians from preventable diseases.