
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a new initiative, the Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO), aimed at improving healthcare delivery across Nigeria. The initiative, a product of a strategic partnership with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canada, seeks to enhance the quality of care through the adoption of evidence-based nursing practices.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, described the collaboration as a “groundbreaking development”. She noted that Nigeria is the first African country to be designated as a BPSO host, underscoring the crucial role nurses play in achieving the country’s healthcare goals.
“This is a remarkable milestone for Nigeria, as it highlights the significant contributions of nurses in driving the mandates of our healthcare system,” Kachollom said.
As the BPSO host, the Ministry will implement RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines across federal tertiary health institutions. The program includes training, mentorship, and support for nursing professionals to deliver culturally sensitive, patient-centered, and evidence-based care.
In her keynote address, delivered on her behalf by the Director of the Food and Drugs Department, Pharmacist Olubunmi Aribeana, Kachollom emphasized the alignment of the initiative with the Coordinating Minister’s four-point health agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to her, the pilot phase will involve 15 hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including a district hospital in the Federal Capital Territory. This phase is expected to improve population health outcomes and entrench high standards of care in the healthcare system.
“The BPSO initiative represents a significant leap forward in equipping nurses and healthcare workers with the skills to meet evolving healthcare challenges,” Kachollom added.
The Director of the Hospital Services Department, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, represented by Dr. Okpiko Okpako, commended the partnership, highlighting its potential to facilitate knowledge exchange between Nigeria and Canada, particularly in addressing cultural nuances in caregiving.
Goodwill messages were delivered by various stakeholders, including Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of RNAO, who signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the association.
The launch also marked the commencement of a four-day training program for healthcare teams from the selected hospitals.