The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has introduced Vivo Health, a digital healthcare platform designed to address systemic gaps and coordination challenges within Nigeria's healthcare system. The platform was unveiled in Lagos, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes, strengthening accountability, and enhancing access to emergency and medical services for Nigerians.
Key Features of Vivo Health
Vivo Health integrates multiple features, including a unified patient identity system, a verified service finder, AI-powered telecare and support, emergency services, a healthcare marketplace, wallet and insurance services, philanthropy tools, and real-time analytics and insights. According to the organizers, the platform connects Nigerians with verified healthcare providers, emergency responders, diagnostic services, medical supplies, and reliable health information within a single digital ecosystem. It also provides data and analytics to support planning and service delivery across the healthcare value chain, particularly in addressing gaps in healthcare access, navigation, and information.
Perspectives from PSHAN Leaders
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Muyiwa Olowoporoku, Head of Membership and Partnership at PSHAN, stated that the platform has the potential to reduce unnecessary mortality and morbidity in the country. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the alliance's mission of leveraging private sector expertise and resources to advance universal healthcare coverage in Nigeria. According to him, Vivo Health represents more than just the introduction of a digital platform; it is a step toward building a more efficient, responsive, and interconnected healthcare system. Olowoporoku noted that the platform seeks to address critical challenges such as inadequate access to information during emergencies, which often results in avoidable deaths.
Dr. Anne Adoh-Ogoh, Head of Policy Programmes at PSHAN, described Vivo Health as a digital health ecosystem enabler focused on driving efficiency, transparency, and impact at scale. She said the platform aims to simplify access, improve visibility, and accelerate growth across Nigeria's healthcare value chain. Adoh-Ogoh stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders across the health sector to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the platform.
Industry Leaders Advocate Collaboration
In her keynote address, Ms. Folake Owodunni, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emergency Response Africa, emphasized the importance of partnership, trust, and shared value in strengthening healthcare systems. She noted that the success of healthcare marketplaces depends on the active participation of healthcare providers and other stakeholders to improve access and quality of care.
Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, commended PSHAN for introducing the platform and highlighted the economic importance of healthcare. She said the collaboration between the foundation and PSHAN has contributed significantly to improving healthcare access in Nigeria. Sanya urged healthcare providers, innovators, policymakers, and development partners to actively support the platform to ensure its accessibility and long-term success.
