Henry Nsa

Passion for strengthening health systems and strengthening integrated health service delivery and primary health care. Dynamic and team-spirited public health physician with a track record of delivering a diverse portfolio of public health programs. Results-oriented, decisive leader with extensive international development and public health experience of more than 20 years. He has strong organizational and top project management skills managing large and complex multi-stakeholder health projects, including 2 USAID-funded Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI) projects as project leader/country chief of party, and several Global Fund projects. His core strengths are in the field of malaria control, SRMNCH, Immunization, program management, and primary health care management. Proven success in strategic influencing, advocacy, cross-functional team management, and communications to a wide variety of stakeholders and government functionaries. Other thematic areas of expertise include: innovative health financing, integrated PHC and malaria, SRMNCH and gender responsive services. Conducted rights-based approach that integrates contextual health systems strengthening comprehensive care including critical services like access to justice and gender mainstreaming. An expert in integrated community management of childhood illnesses, I have collaborated with MSH on PMI-funded integrated community case management of malaria for states. Well travelled outside Nigeria for professional engagements. Studied in Scotland and speaks and writes English very fluently, with at least 3 local languages.

• Nigeria Medical Association
• Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
• Rotary International
• Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria

• Strategic leadership
• Technical expertise
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Teamwork and Capability Building
• Extensive donor experience
• Health systems strengthening
• Health sector financing
• Governance
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Market dynamic analysis
• Proposal Development
• Strategic Planning & Budgeting
• Strategy and Implementation
• Stakeholder engagement/mobilization

• Public Health Consultant, Various Development Projects, 03/01/14, 12/31/24, Partnership landscaping of primary health care (PHC) relevant partners in Nigeria for the Gates Foundation., Development of Local Government/primary health care Tools., Innovative funding mechanisms at the community level., Public-private partnerships, reaching the underserved and unserved with public sector resources., Integrated PHC, malaria and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services., Mapping investment opportunities, and building partnerships within the health sector., Health systems strengthening especially regarding digital health technologies.
• Coordinator/State Consultant, KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria, 01/01/23, 12/31/23, Enhanced sustainability and ownership of community programs, including malaria., Advocated and engaged key stakeholders, supported health systems strengthening.
• Malaria Control-MNCH Integration Specialist, Various, 01/01/10, 12/31/23, Trained different categories of health workers on malaria in pregnancy (MIP)., Supported the development of training curricula and guidelines for supportive supervision.
• Technical Advisor, Abt Associates Inc., 10/01/17, 02/28/18, Provided technical support from start-up to close-out of the USAID-PMI-VectorLink Project., Managed the start-up process and transition from the PMI-Africa IRS (TO6) Project.
• Chief of Party/Project Lead, Abt Associates Inc., 01/01/15, 02/28/18, Provided strategic direction for the successful implementation of the USAID-PMI Africa IRS (TO6) Project., Supervised the successful implementation of malaria vector surveillance.
• Chief of Party, USAID-PMI-AFRICA IRS (AIRS) TO4 PROJECT, 11/01/11, 12/31/15, Supervised the successful implementation of the first USAID-Funded/PMI AIRS TO4 Project., Provided oversight on Health Systems Strengthening for commodity storage.
• Senior Medical Services Advisor (Malaria), FHI360, 10/01/09, 09/30/11, Served as the technical lead to the malaria project of FHI-Nigeria under the Global Fund Round 8 Malaria Grant., Provided technical support in the development of FHI’s sub-recipient implementation plan.
• Malaria Program Manager, Cross River State Government, 11/01/01, 07/31/08, Led the conceptualization of effective strategies for the prevention of mosquito bites., Managed the first successful ‘stand-alone’ distribution of mosquito nets.

• Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
• Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
• Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
• Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
• Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].

Additional information on achievements:

Project Name: Partnership landscaping of PHC relevant partners in Nigeria

Funder: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, EU, CIDA

Support to launch package of new actions as part of the States selection for PHC strengthening and recommendations to the Gates Foundation. Development of Local Government Tools. Mapping investment opportunities, and building partnerships within the health sector. With gaps identified in the primary healthcare sector, highlighted key investment facilitation opportunities in the health sector to the Gates Foundation. This included support in the area workforce development, providing access to the most vulnerable, build equitable societies, and support the growth of economies. Strengthening of laboratory services at the primary healthcare level, and innovative funding mechanisms to support healthcare financing. The above can also be supported by the EU through the Global Gateway. Main partners explored included – WHO, DFID, World Bank, USAID, GAVI Alliance, UNICEF, CDC, CIDA, EU, AfDB, UNDP. Extensive discussions on challenges in health systems, governance and health finances in Primary Healthcare system by driving new programmes through Global Gateway. Areas of collaboration were explored with the NPHCDA on Primary Healthcare Under One Roof (PHCUOR). Final development of an investment case for the Gates Foundation

During the provision of technical Assistance and capacity building of 5,000 health workers

1. We identified areas in the health sector suitable for PPPs. Strong emphasis was laid on projects that required significant capital investments such as hospitals construction (like the Obudu German Hospital, CalaPharm), medical equipment procurement, specialized healthcare services, and rode on partnerships with the private sector for success

2. We developed a clear and transparent PPP frameworks which ensured fair and equitable partnerships that benefited both the public and private sectors

3. Fostered a strong relationship between government agencies, private firms and civil society organizations to ensure a level playing field.

4. Participated in working with the private sector to introduce and increase awareness on the Global Fund- sponsored affordable malaria drugs scheme – AMFm. It is an innovative financing mechanism aimed at subsidizing the price of ACTs (Artemisinin-based combination therapy for malaria) by the lowering of cost through donor subsidy at the ‘factory gate’, thus lowering the cost of the drugs by first line buyers. This then trickles positively down the supply chain. There is in-country rebranding of the medicines meant for lower cost, and we then worked with the private sector alongside other stakeholders to create awareness to patients and drug sellers to make this effective.

§ On Health-sector investments:

1. Conducted a comprehensive needs assessment: This involved analyzing existing health infrastructure, identifying gaps in services and prioritizing areas for investment. We did this within the first few weeks of engagement in the states before the commencement of the trainings. This was in a bid to further advise both the funder (World Bank), and the respective state governments. Accurate data was collated during the process.

2. Developed a strategic investment plan. This plan outlined specific projects and initiatives, their estimated costs, and potential return on investment. We achieved this in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and ensured a robust strategic plan. In Cross River State, this was launched during the maiden Health Summit in the state

3. Sought funding from various sources: This included government allocations, donor agencies (example World Bank) philanthropic organizations and impact investors. In conjunction with the state governments, a database of all the partners in the states were developed and grouped per area of intervention making it easy to match them to specific needs. These were complemented with counterpart funds in the states.

§ On Investment Facilitation (to attract foreign investments to the states)

1. Created an investor-friendly environment: This involved streamlining regulatory processes, providing clear guidelines for foreign investors, and offering incentives such as tax breaks and expedited approvals. We were able to achieve success in this regard by ensuring adequate security, tax waiver for health commodities and access to information. This is a strategic approach that can be enhanced by the GGI.

2. Showcased investment opportunities: We advised the states to make the most of every opportunity, like during roadshows, conferences, outreaches, activations and online platforms to highlight the states healthcare investment potentials. We made it a priority for our facilities to be listed as venues for major health activities.

3. We built strong relationships with international organizations. Worked closely with the UN Delivery as One (DaO) and other agencies like the World Bank and European Union to attract foreign investment and technical assistance to the respective states. The GG can take on from the relationships already initiated with the states

On Health Financing Models:

1. We implemented a multi-payer system. This involved a mix of government funding, social health insurance, private health insurance, and out-of-pocket payments. In Cross River state, a Health Insurance scheme (christened AYADECare) was developed to help lessen the effect of out-of-pocket payments by deducting a less than 1% of the salaries of beneficiaries.

2. Explored innovative financing mechanisms. This included results-based financing, performance-based contracting, and health impact bonds. The mechanism was result-based, hence our Project 4 Results (P4R) initiatives like was done with Saving One Million Lives (SOML).

3. Strengthen revenue collection: when necessary, efficiency can be improved in collecting health taxes and user fees from stakeholders

Project Name: Provided clinical and management support to Frontline Response Teams (COVID-19, malaria), in collaboration with the Nigeria Canters for Disease Control (NCDC).

Funder: USAID

Participated directly in health systems strengthening around storage of vaccine, cold chains and vaccine transportation to end users. Headed the development of epidemic control activities for Covid-19 Emergency Response. This helped safe up to 1000 lives during the pandemic. Contributed to sustainable demographic transition and Universal Health Coverage by supporting gender and adolescent-responsive integrated sexual, reproductive, maternal and child health in Nigeria. Accelerating treatments against malaria and healthcare access across the region while reducing the dependence on the importation of essential medicines. In addition, as people are living longer in these environments, non-communicable diseases (NCD) are growing, example diabetes, cancer and heart disease, while tens of millions are living with mental illness. This further underscores the need for the Global Gateway to drive a strong primary health care to improve detection, screening and treatment of people at the community level.

After the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, resources have been diverted significantly from the traditional routine treatments like childhood immunization, maternal and child health services, malaria etc.

Covid-19 Vaccination Acceleration Project (Glovax)

Enhanced sustainability and ownership of community programs, including malaria by the targeted states. Enhanced and supported private sector engagement with the state primary healthcare management board (RSPHCMB) to accelerate Covid-19 vaccination uptake in Rivers state. Employed rights-based approach that integrates contextual health systems strengthening, comprehensive care including critical services like access to justice and gender mainstreaming. Advocated and engaged key stakeholders, supported health systems strengthening, and integration of health services at service delivery points; this enhanced Covid-19 vaccination uptake and acceptance by 60%. Extensive stakeholder engagement experience in Covid-19 vaccination with integrated health services, including malaria, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Integrated health services with COVID-19 vaccination and other reasonable medical concerns as well as provide Routine drugs and screening for chronic illness (Hypertension and Diabetes). Investment facilitation in health sector through the above enhances the prosperity of nations and also saves money.

On Digital Health Strategies:

1. We developed a comprehensive digital health strategy incorporating e-health services, telemedicine, health information systems, mHealth solutions, especially in the hinterland and hard-to-reach areas

2. We also invested in infrastructure and technology like high speed internet connectivity, data centers, and secure electronic health records located in some of our facilities

3. Build human capacity: we trained healthcare workers on the use of digital health technologies

4. Ensure data privacy and security: we implemented robust cyber security measures to protect sensitive patient information

Digital Health Technology called the EMID system (electronic management of immunization data) was deployed for the real-time uploading of covid-19 vaccination data. This can be used for other solutions. This is an important area for collaboration and expansion in Nigeria. Digital health services were also used to: Increase access to healthcare through telemedicine, especially in areas with a low ratio of healthcare workers to the population. Improve efficiency by optimizing resource tracking. We have deployed this in the payment of extension health workers in the field during immunization activities. Improving transparency-used in many government activities including elections. Improving patient care: can help patients monitor and manage chronic conditions and tailor medicine for individual patients. It can also be used to improve data security due to image capturing and documentation as the EMID system above. It can also be used to improve collaboration, for instance between government and technology companies. Other examples of digital heal initiatives used in Nigeria include: Pay1One, Basic Health Care Provision Fund, etc. 40% increase in awareness of integrated services was recorded through stakeholder mobilization activities

Public-Private Partnership in this implementation involved the collaboration between the government (public) and the private sector by using social mobilizers to mobilize the community to appear for vaccination. The government through the state primary healthcare management board coordinates the participation and payment of the local community to mobilize its subjects to provide some of the workforce and security for the vaccination exercise. It helped to address funding and service delivery gaps