Financing Informal Sector Health Coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa (Lessons from Nigeria)

Introduction:

Access to affordable and quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly for those working in the informal sector. With over 70% of the population engaged in informal employment, it is crucial to ensure this large and vulnerable group has access to adequate health coverage. This webinar aims to explore and analyze various financing mechanisms that can effectively expand health coverage for Nigeria's informal sector.

• The session will provide an in-depth overview of the current health financing landscape in Nigeria, focusing on the unique challenges faced by informal sector workers in accessing healthcare services. We will examine the effectiveness of existing financing mechanisms, such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and analyze their ability to address the needs of the informal sector. The barriers to health insurance access—such as affordability, awareness, and trust—will also be discussed.
• 
  
• The webinar will then highlight potential solutions for financing health coverage for the informal sector, including:
• 
  
• Innovative Financing Models: Exploring community-based health insurance schemes and micro-insurance programs, alongside successful examples from other countries and strategies for adapting them to the Nigerian context.
• 
  
• The Role of Technology: Examining how mobile payment systems and digital platforms can enhance access to health insurance for informal sector workers, making healthcare services more accessible and affordable.
• 
  
• Public-Private Partnerships: Discussing the role of both government and private sector partnerships in financing health coverage, leveraging resources, and fostering collaborations to increase coverage. The importance of regulatory frameworks and policies to support sustainable financing for the informal sector will also be explored.
• 
  

In the final segment, we will highlight the broader benefits of expanding health coverage for informal sector workers, focusing not just on improving health outcomes, but also on the potential for economic development and poverty reduction. We will discuss how enhanced health coverage can positively impact productivity, job security, and the overall well-being of informal sector workers.

In conclusion, this webinar will provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding the financing of health coverage for Nigeria's informal sector. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the financing mechanisms available and the necessary steps to ensure all Nigerians have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services.