As Nigeria confronts critical health challenges, including high maternal and child mortality rates and limited access to essential services, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, the UK-funded Lafiya program stands at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the country’s health systems and outcomes.

This initiative, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and set to continue until 2027, aims to drive significant improvements by supporting the Nigerian government to prioritise and accelerate key health reforms, expand essential services, and promote maternal, newborn child healthcare in some of the most marginalised communities.

With these objectives, Lafiya is supporting transformative change in one of the most challenging health contexts in the world.

Tackling Urgent Health Needs

Nigeria, home to over 200 million people, faces a high disease burden and alarming maternal mortality rates. With 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, addressing healthcare access here has implications well beyond its borders. “If we can strengthen systems and improve health outcomes in Nigeria, we’ve solved a third of maternal deaths in the world,” says Jabulani Nyenwa, Palladium Senior Director of Health. Lafiya is designed to tackle these challenges by focusing on three main areas: catalysing political and financial commitment to accelerate critical health reforms, strengthening primary health care systems to deliver essential health services, and convening and leveraging the efforts of other partners to maximise impact.

Working with federal and state governments, Lafiya provides demand-led technical assistance that enables Nigeria to adapt to shifting needs and priorities. “This program’s flexibility and responsiveness to the Nigerian government’s needs over the years, from building systems to responding to COVID-19, has proven essential,” notes Nyenwa. “This approach has allowed Lafiya to operate seamlessly within Nigeria’s policy environment, responding rapidly to new health emergencies while focusing on long-term sustainability.”

A Demand-Led, Locally-Driven Approach

Lafiya’s locally-led approach is a cornerstone of its success. “Our teams are 100% local experts, which not only brings unique insights but ensures we’re leaving behind local capacity,” he adds. This approach resonates with both UK and international partners, including USAID, as it prioritises local ownership of health reform. By embedding local expertise, Lafiya enhances Nigeria’s ability to sustain progress even after the program concludes.

The program’s focus on mutual accountability and partnership extends across established networks like the Health Development Partners Group and all Development Partners who are coalescing around Nigeria’s Health Sector Strategic Blueprint for 2023-2027. Lafiya has been key to these efforts, uniting the UK government and Nigerian institutions to catalyse meaningful health reforms.

“Operating in a partnership sense, with Palladium’s strategic facilitation, has been critical to galvanising resources and breaking down systemic barriers, particularly for women and adolescent girls who often face social norms that restrict access to essential services.”

Achieving Value for Money in Challenging Circumstances

The Lafiya program’s outcomes go beyond conventional development metrics, delivering considerable value for money. “The budget and funding they’re putting into this program is a far cry from what’s needed in Nigeria, but we’ve stretched those resources by complementing domestic funding, local expertise and focusing on efficiency,” Nyenwa explains. “This has allowed Lafiya to expand its reach and impact, with FCDO’s catalytic funding.”

As a result, the program’s work has gained greater visibility and recognition in Nigeria than many comparable initiatives, strengthening the UK’s reputation as a critical health development partner and Palladium as a “trusted partner” in the country.

Mid-Point Reflections and Looking Ahead

Lafiya has reached its midpoint, a moment for reflection and future planning. “We’re right at the middle of the program,” shares Nyenwa, “and as we start the midterm review, we’re looking at what we’ve achieved so far and what more we can accomplish in the next three years.” Despite the progress made, challenges remain—ranging from resource limitations to shifting priorities within Nigeria’s government.

However, he says that Lafiya’s approach to partnership and innovation is designed to withstand these pressures and that approach has not gone unnoticed. As Nyenwa shares, the program recently received an A+ rating from FCDO in their Annual Review of Lafiya. “Our flexible and strategic approach, focused on pathways to change that produce positive outcomes was highlighted as a particular success,” he adds.

From supporting ambitious health reforms under Nigeria’s new Minister of Health, to laying the groundwork for a sustainable healthcare system, Lafiya aims to leave a legacy of resilience and accountability. “If we can help Nigeria build the systems and enable policy reform, then Nigeria will be in a position to channel its own funding into sustainable healthcare,” Nyenwa explains, emphasising Lafiya’s role in helping Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in health.

A Legacy of Sustainable Health Reform

By fostering local leadership and tackling structural barriers, Lafiya is helping Nigeria create a health system that is both accountable and accessible.

As Lafiya continues to adapt and evolve in response to Nigeria’s needs, the program’s enduring legacy will be a strengthened health system equipped to serve future generations, laying the foundations for a healthier, more resilient Nigeria where women and girls can have a fair chance to participate in economic prospects.