Abuja Health Equity Conference to Address Nigeria’s Healthcare Implementation Gap
Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Health policymakers, legislators, healthcare professionals and development partners will gather in Abuja next month to explore strategies for improving the implementation of health policies and advancing equitable healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The 2026 National Health Equity Conference, scheduled for October 13 to 15 at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, will focus on the theme: “From Policy to Impact: Care Coordination as the Core Engine of Health Equity.”
Organised by OneBarrow International Limited, the conference aims to identify practical solutions for translating health policies into measurable outcomes through stronger coordination across the healthcare system.
Participants are expected from government, regulatory agencies, development organisations, professional associations, academia, civil society, patient groups and the private sector.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, will serve as Chief Host, while the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, Amos Magaji, are expected as Special Guests of Honour.
Chief Executive Officer of OneBarrow International Limited, Yemi Ajao, said Nigeria has developed several important health policies, but implementation remains a major challenge.
“The real test is what happens when policies reach the people and communities they are designed to serve,” he said
According to him, discussions will focus on strengthening coordination among federal, state and local governments, improving referral systems, enhancing communication among healthcare professionals and promoting accountability.
The conference will also examine the role of digital technology, data systems and citizen participation in improving transparency, patient engagement and health outcomes.
Ajao stressed that citizens should have effective channels to provide feedback on healthcare services and participate in conversations that improve quality of care.
The conference is expected to conclude with a communiqué and implementation roadmap outlining practical recommendations and commitments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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Korede Abdullah 
Hope Ajayi 