PharmAccess is a group of non-profit organizations dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare in Africa. PharmAccess mobilizes public and private resources for the benefit of doctors and patients through clinical standards and quality improvements, loans for healthcare providers, health insurance, mHealth innovations and operational research.
This integrated approach is made possible by the following organizations:
Today, the Financial Times published a special report on maternal and child health. It showcases five innovators 'with the potential to ease the burden of maternal and child mortality around the world,' including the Kwara Health Insurance Program.
Click here to read the showcase.
In the introduction of a section dedicated to Innovators in the field of maternal and child health, the Fianncial Times writes: ‘There is no shortage of good ideas in the world, but many existing ones remain stuck in “innovation bottlenecks” as they struggle for attention, funding or the means of implementation.’
The special report, entitled Birth and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlights progress that has already been made but also calls attention to what still needs to be done. ‘These projects are already underway and have shown signs that they could be even more successful at scale. But in order to be sustained or replicated, they need additional support such as funding, technical assistance, support or backing from policymakers.’
About the Kwara program
In 2007, the Kwara State Government, the Nigerian insurer Hygeia, PharmAccess and Health Insurance Fund, with the support of the Dutch government, created an insurance program to deliver affordable and quality healthcare for the poor in Kwara State, Nigeria. The scheme pools funding from external and local sources including state and federal governments and communities to finance healthcare. Enrollees pay 12% of the premium, the Health Insurance Fund provides a subsidy to cover the remainder, which is gradually being taken over by Kwara State. The scheme offers primary and limited secondary healthcare services in both public and private facilities. All participating health centers are working to improve the quality of their services using the SafeCare standards. Scientific impact evaluation through a consortium of local and international researchers to examine healthcare financing and delivery for the poor is a core aspect of the program. This has shown that healthseeking behavior and health outcoems have improved. Hospital deliveries rose by 77% and there was a decline in hypertension among participants. The results of the Kwara health insurance scheme have also contributed to the adoption of state health insurance in Nigeria.
