5^th World Nursing and Nursing Care Congress

Biography:

Dr. Godwin Asuquo is an international public health leader with about 20 years’ experience in nursing, reproductive health and child rights, governance, HIV/AIDS/ TB and primary health care program management including health systems strengthening. He has consistently worked in senior leadership positions delivering impactful results for communities served in Africa including Nigeria, Chad, Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania. Tasks undertaken during these assignments range from policy development, program management, training, research, organizational development, and strengthening capacity for HIV/AIDS, obstetrical care  and human resources for health. He was until June, 2018,  the Chief of Party/Program Director for Save the Children’s Global Fund Program in Tanzania. He is currently providing leadership to the Africa Centre for Health Leadership in Nigeria. Previously, he served as Primary Health Coordinator, Nurse and midwives Educator and a Lecturer in Public Health and Nursing at the University of Maiduguri and Imo State University  in Nigeria.

 

Abstract:

World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution 2005 urged countries to develop their health financing systems to “ensure that all people have access to needed key promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health services of good quality at an affordable cost without the risk of financial hardship linked to paying for care. The goal is a 100% coverage of population groups and their families in line with the Goal 3 of the SDGs to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”

Nigeria’s intervention to achieve this is the National Health Insurance Scheme which was launched in 2005.  Nurses are at the frontline in ensuring that this program achieves its objectives and targets.

The purpose of this study was to  review  the status of the program vis-à-vis the role and contribution of Nurses towards the achievement of its goals and objectives. Using the System thinking approach and the Results Chain Model, a qualitative methodology was employed consisting of in-depth interviews of 100 Nurse leaders, 100 Health Care directors, 50 program managers and 4 focus group discussions  for clinical nurse specialists. A desk review was also carried out focusing on the national health policies, strategic plans and frameworks and implementation plan of the NHIS. 

Findings from the review indicates that out of pocket spending was 60%;  7% of the population was covered by pre-payment and  risk-pooling scheme and 2 % coverage of vulnerable groups. The morale of the nursing teams was low as a result of interprofessional rivalry and lopsided decision making processes based on ethnic and religious considerations. Other findings include inadequate facilities, basic working tools and equipment, lack of team approach and a retention plan.  

Conclusion and Significance: It examined the issues, challenges, opportunities and the way forward in empowering nurses to be more productive in supporting the program.