In a significant move aimed at bolstering their commitment to improving healthcare in communities across Nigeria, the MTN Nigeria Foundation officially partnered with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) recently.
This collaboration seeks to have MTN Foundation upgrade 52 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria before the end of June, while PSHAN ensures the sustainability of the project. This partnership is built around MTN Foundation’s “What Can We Do Together” (WCWDT) initiative. The initiative which started in 2015 has seen the upgrading of 180 PHCs across Nigerian communities.
During the event, Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s ongoing contributions to various communities and the upgrading of primary healthcare centres. According to her, Last year, we celebrated the upgrade of our 180th primary healthcare centre, and we are committed to further expansion in the coming years. This year, in collaboration with PSHAN, we plan to upgrade 52 primary healthcare centres nationwide, providing essential equipment for sustainability, including solar panels and staff training.”
She underscored the foundation’s broader impact, stating, “Since its inception in 2004, the MTN Nigeria Foundation has invested over 28 billion Naira in improving lives. It goes beyond monetary contributions; it’s about positively impacting the lives of the people. This is where our partnership with PSHAN becomes crucial.”
Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the Managing Director and CEO of PSHAN, also spoke at the event. She highlighted the partnership’s objectives, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring accessible and high-quality primary health facilities for Nigerians.
“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,” she said.
The event concluded with the formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Odunayo Sanya and Titilayo Akinbolagbe, solidifying the partnership.
The event also had in attendance notable individuals from both organizations like Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, PFR, MNI, Chairman of MTN Foundation’s Board; Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Director at PSHAN and former Group Managing Director of Access Bank; representatives of the NPHCDA and WHO; and many others.