PSHAN Advocates AI and Storytelling as Game-Changers for Nigeria’s Healthcare Future
The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), together with the World Health Expo (WHX) Lagos, has called for a transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare system by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), compelling storytelling, and cross-sector collaborations.
During its 2025 Annual Conference themed *“The Creative Catalyst: Driving Sustainable Healthcare Solutions in West Africa,”* held at Lagos’s Landmark Centre, PSHAN brought together healthcare professionals, creatives, and tech innovators to explore innovative, scalable solutions aimed at improving health outcomes throughout the region.
In her opening remarks, PSHAN CEO Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe emphasized shifting the narrative from despair to opportunity. “Healthcare in Nigeria shouldn’t just be a system to fix; it should be a story to tell,” she stated. “We invite innovators, storytellers, private sector partners, and policymakers to co-create imaginative and effective solutions.”
Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, MD/CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Conference Chair, highlighted the importance of the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP), which aims to improve access by encouraging private sector investment in primary healthcare centers across Nigeria. “We’re calling on private partners to take responsibility for one facility in every local government,” she said. “This bridges the gap between public effort and community needs.”
Keynote speaker Mr. Fred Swaniker, CEO of Sand Technologies, challenged the audience to think innovatively about Nigeria’s health crisis. Noting the doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:9,000, he proposed AI-powered diagnostic tools and real-time data platforms as solutions to leapfrog traditional healthcare limitations.
“Imagine a world where every village has access to a top doctor 24/7 for just $20 a year. That’s what AI can deliver,” Swaniker explained. “But technology alone isn’t enough—stories that connect, educate, and motivate adoption are equally vital.”
Echoing this, Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, underscored the power of storytelling in health communication. “Facts alone don’t move people; stories do,” he said. “When health messages reflect local languages and relatable experiences, they become trusted and actionable.”
A panel moderated by creative expert Amana Agu featured Nollywood stars Segun Arinze and Ireti Doyle, dance entrepreneur Dr. Kaffy Shafau, and music executive Mr. Abuchi Peter Ugwu. They discussed how media, music, film, and advocacy can influence health behaviors and perceptions.
In a masterclass, Mr. Amaechi Okobi of Access Holdings highlighted storytelling as a leadership tool. “Stories humanize healthcare—they build empathy, shift attitudes, and mobilize resources,” he explained. “Data shows us what’s happening; stories reveal why it matters.”
Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru of WARIF emphasized multi-sector collaboration’s role in addressing women’s health issues, including gender-based violence, maternal mortality, and health disparities. “We need survivor-centered approaches and policy advocacy to make a real difference,” she urged.
Closing the conference, PSHAN’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Clifford Egbomeade, reminded attendees that Nigeria’s healthcare future must be envisioned, built, and owned collectively.
The conference concluded with a communiqué outlining key recommendations: mainstream storytelling in health messaging, scale AI-driven diagnostics, enhance public-private healthcare partnerships, and strengthen legislative and financial support for health innovations.
The 2025 PSHAN Annual Conference united thought leaders, industry players, government officials, and investors dedicated to pioneering Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.