AXA Mansard Health has called for greater attention to the link between healthcare access, workforce productivity and economic development, saying investment in the health and wellbeing of Nigerians is critical to building a more productive and prosperous economy.
The company made the call at the launch of its Culture of Care campaign, an initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of care in strengthening individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said quality healthcare should be viewed not only as a social necessity but also as an important economic investment.
According to him, healthier individuals are better positioned to support their families, remain productive at work and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the wider economy.
“Care is often viewed through a social lens, but it also has significant economic implications,” Adeniyi said.
“When people have access to healthcare, they are more likely to remain healthy, productive, and able to contribute meaningfully to their families, workplaces, and communities.”
The AXA Mansard Health CEO noted that many Nigerians continue to face healthcare challenges that extend beyond physical wellbeing, with medical expenses capable of placing significant pressure on household finances.
For families without adequate health insurance coverage, unexpected medical bills can force difficult financial decisions, while untreated illnesses can lead to prolonged absence from work, loss of income and declining productivity.
Adeniyi said these realities make affordable and accessible healthcare in Nigeria a national economic priority rather than solely an individual concern.
“Improving access to healthcare is one of the most effective ways to improve quality of life and support economic development,” he said.
“A healthy population is a productive population. When people can access care early and affordably, they are better able to work, care for loved ones, pursue opportunities, and contribute to economic growth.”
The Culture of Care campaign also draws attention to the often-unseen role played by caregivers across Nigerian society.
Parents caring for children, professionals supporting ageing relatives, healthcare workers attending to patients and employers supporting their workforce all contribute to sustaining families and communities.
However, Adeniyi stressed that caregivers themselves require support if society is to build a sustainable culture of care.
“Care cannot thrive without support systems,” he said. “One of the most practical ways society can support caregivers is by ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible, affordable, and available when it is needed.”
As Nigeria continues efforts to expand healthcare access and Universal Health Coverage, AXA Mansard Health said the private sector has an important role to play in addressing gaps in the healthcare system.
The company pointed to health insurance, digital healthcare services, preventive healthcare initiatives and customer-focused healthcare solutions as some of the approaches that can help make healthcare more accessible to Nigerians.
AXA Mansard Health said it remains committed to leveraging innovation and technology to provide healthcare solutions that reduce barriers to accessing medical services.
For Adeniyi, however, the Culture of Care campaign goes beyond the activities of one healthcare company. He described it as part of a broader conversation about how societies define and pursue progress.
“This campaign is a reminder that care should remain at the centre of how we think about progress,” he said.
“When societies invest in the health and wellbeing of their people, they create the conditions for stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and sustainable prosperity.”
The company believes that connecting healthcare access with workforce productivity, economic resilience and national development can help strengthen the case for greater investment in the wellbeing of Nigerians.
