Public/Private Partnerships:

Leveraging resources to support health and education initiatives

COMPASS recognizes the value of partnership between the public and private sectors in improving the quality of health care and education in Nigeria.  The Project has involved nongovernmental organizations, community groups, school and health facility quality improvement teams, and private businesses and individuals in leveraging resources for improved health and education services in Nigeria.

Forming public and private sector alliances begins with sensitizing organizations, businesses and individuals on the needs of the community.  Once challenges are identified, groups are encouraged to support COMPASS initiatives through cost-sharing efforts such as donating needed goods and services. With the necessary platforms developed, the Project is prepared to leverage $5 million through services, cash, or material donations.

COMPASS also conducts advocacy visits to corporate organizations, influential individuals, and members of market and transport unions to leverage additional resources for program implementation.  Examples of activities that have been accomplished by public/private partnerships include:

• Members of the Nuku community and quality improvement team in the Federal Capitol Territory raised nearly $12,000 to repair and equip the local health facility and provide a new water tank;
• Community groups and parent-teacher associations in three communities in Kano State have made financial contributions and volunteered their time to provide clean water to their schools;
• A community group in the town of Wamba in Nasarawa State organized advocacy visits to the Timber Sellers’ Association.  As a result of the Association being informed about the lack of classroom furniture in the local schools and the impact this is having on student enrollment, the Association has been donating wood to build desks;
• A doctor at the Isheri clinic in Lagos State has been motivated to provide free health care to students; and
• COMPASS has entered into a partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) which has agreed to provide deworming drugs for school children in Nasarawa State.

As a result of the money that has been leveraged through contributions by the public sector and members of COMPASS-supported community groups, more health and education projects are being completed and community members are actively becoming involved in improving their environment.