Health
How SUNU Health Nigeria Restored My Faith in NHIA: A Testimony of Professionalism and Care
A senior correspondent with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Innocent Okoro Onoh, has shared his personal experience with SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, highlighting how the company ensured his wife’s safe delivery despite an ongoing medical sector strike.
In a powerful testimonial, he wrote, “For over a decade, I had dutifully enrolled in Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, paying my dues and contributing to a system I scarcely believed in. Like many Nigerians, I had been influenced by the negative public perception surrounding NHIA—the long queues, the alleged poor treatment of enrollees, and the bureaucracy that seemed to overshadow care delivery. Despite working as a journalist and covering health events, I avoided using the scheme for my personal or family health needs.”
That perception was forever altered on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, during what could have been one of the most traumatic nights of my life—the night my wife went into labour.
My wife had registered for antenatal care at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ikotun, Lagos. We were told that in the event of any complications, she would be referred to the General Hospital in Igando, just a stone’s throw away. Confident in the arrangement, we prepared early by purchasing delivery items worth over ₦150,000 and submitting them to the Ikotun health centre a month before her due date.
Labour began at around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29. The contractions intensified, and by 1 a.m., her water had broken. We rushed to the health centre, only to be greeted by darkness and silence. We knocked and banged the gate for over ten minutes before a security guard sluggishly emerged to let us in. Inside, we met a midwife whose hostility was immediate and shocking.
“Why did you come? Didn’t you know we joined the nationwide health workers’ strike at midnight?” she barked. The midwife, who seemed as panicked as we were, reluctantly led my wife inside with the help of a cleaner who had been mopping the floors. Her instructions were clear: “Pray she delivers before 6 a.m., because we won’t keep you here past 7 a.m.”
We were in disbelief. Two women in labour—including my wife—were left in God’s hands. No medication. No professional support. Only a clock ticking toward an ultimatum. Around 6 a.m., with no progress, both women were discharged—sent off to “find any available private hospital.”
I was frantic. My wife’s water had broken hours ago, and I feared for the life of our unborn child. It was then that I remembered my NHIA hospital, and I decided—perhaps in desperation—to give it a try. I reached out to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd, the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) managing my NHIA account. He had always come across as professional and kind, often reaching out during media events. Still, I hadn’t once considered using SUNU’s services until that morning.
What followed next was nothing short of exemplary.
The PRO, upon hearing my situation, sprang into action. He immediately sent a WhatsApp message:
“Kindly take your spouse to Navy Hospital. On arrival, present yourself at the NHIA department for a mail to be sent to your HMO for approval code.”
Although I was unfamiliar with the NHIA protocol, I followed his instructions. When we arrived at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, we were shocked by the swift and warm reception. My wife’s name had already been entered in their system. The staff at the NHIA desk were courteous and efficient, welcoming us like long-expected guests.
In contrast to the unwelcoming experience at Ikotun PHC, my wife was treated like royalty. The labor room team was highly professional, and when they saw the mountain of supplies, we brought, they joked: “Are you coming to pay bride price?” They barely needed any of the items; their facility was well-equipped and properly staffed.
It was a difficult labour. My wife had to deliver a 4.1kg baby naturally. Yet, through expert care and seasoned professionalism, she delivered successfully—without a single tear.
At the NHIA desk, I was given a clearance form to fill. Again, unfamiliar with the system, I turned to the SUNU Health PRO, who immediately retrieved my NHIA registration number using a few basic details. He even connected me with other SUNU personnel, all of whom were impressively responsive and helpful. Every step of the process—from admission to discharge—was seamless, paperless, and stress-free.
On Saturday, we were discharged. We paid nothing. Not a single naira.
In over 20 years of experiencing Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, this stands out as my best encounter. Not because it was perfect, but because it restored something I had lost—faith in the system.
If every Nigerian on the NHIA scheme experienced what I did through SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd, then the national health insurance programme is indeed working. SUNU Health demonstrated that with professionalism, empathy, and commitment to quality care, NHIA can live up to its vision of universal health coverage for all Nigerians.
To the entire management and staff of SUNU Health Nigeria Ltd, I say thank you. You didn’t just deliver a baby—you rebuilt trust in a national institution. You reminded me that behind every health scheme are people who care, and professionals who are ready to serve.
I hope more enrollees will begin to use their NHIA services, and that other HMOs emulate the high standards SUNU Health has set.
The future of health insurance in Nigeria is bright—if SUNU is anything to go by.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria has launched its first nationally representative survey on antimicrobial resistance to generate critical data to guide evidence-based policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen health system resilience.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to cure.
As a result, surveillance is essential to track resistance patterns, identify priority pathogens, and guide targeted interventions and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, the initiative marks a milestone in the country’s public health response.
Nigeria becomes the third country globally to partner with WHO on a national antimicrobial resistance survey. having been selected based on the country’s strong commitment to AMR surveillance, its updated WHO Nigeria NAP 2.0, and readiness to expand laboratory and data systems.
Africa’s most populous country ranks 20th globally for age-standardized mortality due to antimicrobial resistance . In 2019, an estimated 263,400 deaths in Nigeria were linked to it—more than the combined deaths from enteric infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases.
Globally, resistant infections in tertiary care settings cost between $2,371 and $29,289 per patient episode, extend hospital stays by an average of 7.4 days, and increase mortality risk by 84 per cent.
The survey will see the establishment of a national baseline on antimicrobial resistance prevalence to monitor interventions, assess the distribution, burden (morbidity, mortality, DALYs, cost), and diversity of AMR across regions and populations, as well as contribute to the global target of reducing AMR deaths by 10 per cent by 2030, in line with the political declaration endorsed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024.
It also seeks to strengthen routine antimicrobial resistance surveillance, including diagnostics, sample referral systems, and laboratory capacity.
Using WHO’s standardized methodology, the survey will run for 12–15 months and cover 40–45 randomly selected health facilities nationwide. Patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs) will be identified using standard case definitions, and blood samples will be analysed in quality-assured laboratories.
Data will be collected across all age groups, covering clinical, demographic, laboratory, financial, and outcome indicators. Follow-up will occur at discharge, 28 days, and three months post-infection. The survey will sample approximately 35,000 patients suspected of BSIs to obtain around 800 isolates of the most common pathogens.
Dr Tochi Okwor, Acting Head, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said, “With WHO’s support, we are confident the survey will generate the evidence needed to protect public health.”
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment stating that ,“Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward combating AMR with an approach grounded in data, science, and measurable impact. This survey will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter policies, stronger surveillance, and better patient outcomes. Nigeria is laying the foundations for a resilient health system, one that protects lives, strengthens trust, and ensures that essential medicines remain effective for future generations.”
Adding her input, Dr Laetitia Gahimbare, Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, added:“Strengthening surveillance enhances Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to AMR threats, supporting better patient outcomes, reinforcing health security, and building a resilient system.”
Professor Babatunde Ogunbosi, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the broader impact:, “This survey is about more than data. It’s about building national capacity for research, diagnostics, and policy. It integrates science into public health decision-making.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the leading Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria, SUNU Health, has said its philosophy is proactive wellness, noting that this was why it recently partnered with The Divine Physician and St. Luke Catholic Chaplaincy Centre for a community health initiative.
The chief executive of the company, Dr Patrick Korie, said, “SUNU Health’s vision extends far beyond merely offering health packages and insurance.”
“We are fundamentally interested in proactive wellness—preventing illness rather than just treating it. This annual exercise is a crucial part of that commitment, and we will continue to champion it for as long as we exist,” he stressed.
The medical practitioner led the company’s annual Health Walk in Lagos on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The event drew hundreds of health enthusiasts, including the Chaplain of the centre, Rev Fr. John Okoria SJ.
His active participation reinforced the spiritual and moral commitment to holistic well-being, proving crucial in mobilizing staff and community members, thereby ensuring the vital wellness message reached a broad and deeply engaged audience.
The health walk covered several major streets in Lagos, starting from Ishaga Road and navigating through Itire Road, Randle Avenue, Akerele, Ogunlana Drive, and Workers Street before concluding back at the starting point. Following the vigorous walk, participants engaged in a session of high-energy aerobics and other outdoor exercises, reinforcing the day’s focus on fitness.
“We are delighted to champion this vital health initiative alongside the Catholic Chaplaincy Centre LUTH/CMUL. The turnout was truly delightful, reflecting the community’s deep desire to embrace wellness.
“Collaborations like this amplify our message and commitment to the Nigerian community,” the Brand and Corporate Communications Lead at SUNU Health, Mr Samuel Olayemi, stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Coronation Registrars Limited, a subsidiary of Coronation Group, in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), recently hosted a Blood Drive Initiative at the 5th floor of Coronation Group Plaza. The event saw over 80 staff donate blood to support critical healthcare needs in Lagos State.
The Blood Drive Initiative forms part of Coronation’s commitment to meaningful, human-centred corporate social responsibility, a direct, measurable, and life-saving effort that reflects the Group’s health and sustainability values.
As Prosperity Partners dedicated to creating sustainable wealth for clients and the African continent, Coronation recognises that true prosperity extends beyond financial returns to encompass the well-being of communities we serve.
The company noted that this initiative enabled it to deliver immediate social impact by supporting national blood supply shortfalls through employee-driven action, demonstrate leadership in health-focused CSR aligned with ESG goals and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), strengthen internal culture by fostering employee engagement, empathy, and purpose in a safe, structured environment, and reinforce corporate reputation through public-facing acts of service, stakeholder trust, and media visibility.
Blood donation remains a critical need in Nigeria, where regular blood supply is essential for emergency care, surgeries, and treatment of various medical conditions. Each donation can save up to three lives, and the collective effort of Coronation employees will significantly impact patients in need across Lagos State healthcare facilities.
“This aligns seamlessly with Coronation’s broader sustainability agenda, which views healthcare access as fundamental to building prosperous communities across Africa,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
Partnering with a certified medical institution, the drive was professionally managed, medically compliant, and logistically efficient. Participants underwent necessary medical screening procedures to ensure donor fitness and safety. Following their donations, donors received refreshments and appreciation for their life-saving contribution.
“At Coronation, we believe in making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Mr Oluseyi Owoturo, Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Registrars Limited. “This Blood donation Initiative reflects our values in action, saving lives, building community, and positioning the company as a purpose-driven brand. We’re proud of our employees who stepped forward to donate blood and save lives. This is what sustainable impact looks like: tangible solutions that address real challenges facing our continent.”
The partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee ensured professional handling of the donation process, meeting all safety and quality standards for blood collection and storage.
Coronation Registrars Limited says it continues to demonstrate that corporate success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility.
“This initiative reinforces the company’s purpose to create a prosperous future for clients and the African continent through transformational solutions,” it added.
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