Funding innovative and inclusive healthcare in Africa

'The Shonga model' demonstrates the success of community health insurance at 1st Health Insurance Fund conference on 23 October 2008 in Amsterdam

Author and documentary maker Adriaan van Dis interviews Mr. Bert Koenders,
Minister for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands

The venue of what proved to be an interesting and stimulating conference was packed with participants from 19 countries and experts from Africa, Europe, Asia and the US. One of the key projects of the Health Insurance Fund program that was highlighted during the conference is implemented in Shonga, located in the heart of Kwara State, Nigeria. Results from this program have been encouraging with an explosive growth in patient numbers visiting the local hospital that is part of the scheme. Shonga is considered the Mecca for those wanting to see the Health Insurance Fund approach at work. During a recent visit the Shonga model also impressed World Health Organization’s leader Dr. Chan.

The Dutch minister for Development Cooperation, Mr. Bert Koenders underlined the importance of the work of the Health Insurance Fund and said that it should function as a catalyst in countries like Nigeria and serve as an example for others. Mr. Koenders announced that he has now given his approval to implement the approach in a second country, Tanzania. If the Tanzanian authorities agree, the Fund hopes to launch there in early 2009. (read the speech by Minister Koenders)

The World Bank has now also joined the Dutch government as a major donor. During the conference a $6 million contract with the Health Insurance Fund was signed to implement a new project with approximately 25.000 low-income ICT workers in Nigeria. (read Press Release Worldbank/GPOBA/IFC)

More results on the conference, the presentations, and the video of all presentations can be viewed here. (watch Photo Album)

Chairman of the Health Insurance Fund Kees Storm and Scott Featherston from the
International Finance Corporation/World Bank enjoy signing a contract for a new insurance
project in Nigeria