Faith group joins Equity Health Group to bring 1,000 mobile clinics to underserved Nigerian communities

By Mike Abu , Kaduna

In a significant step toward closing Nigeria’s healthcare access gap, the Northern Christian Association (NCA)—formerly the Northern chapter of CAN—has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Equity Health Group and partners Doktorconnect and United International HMO. The agreement will see 1,000 containerised clinics deployed across the country, with priority given to hard-to-reach communities, especially in Northern Nigeria where quality healthcare remains scarce.

In a statement personally signed and released to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, NCA Chairman Rev. Joseph John Hayab explained that the agreement—signed alongside Dr. Princess Ibe at Equity Hospital in Lekki, Lagos—marks a strategic partnership between the Christian body and private health stakeholders.

Rev. Hayab underscored the role of faith-based organisations in grassroots development, noting that the NCA’s widespread network would be crucial for reaching vulnerable populations. He said the initiative would help fill the gap in regional clinics across the north, complementing government and private healthcare delivery for millions of Nigerians, particularly those in rural and insecure areas.

Each containerised clinic, he added, will provide basic medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare, vaccinations, diagnostic services, and telemedicine-enabled consultations.

Dr. Princess Ibe of Equity Health Group described the project as a reflection of her organisation’s commitment to innovative healthcare delivery. She said blending physical clinics with digital health tools and insurance coverage would help build a more inclusive and sustainable system.

Northern Nigeria remains a priority due to its low doctor-to-patient ratios and severe healthcare infrastructure deficits. The containerised model allows rapid deployment even in areas with poor infrastructure or security challenges, offering both flexibility and scalability.

The rollout of 1,000 clinics is expected to improve primary healthcare outcomes significantly while creating jobs for health professionals and support staff. The project will proceed in phases, beginning with the highest-need regions, especially across the north.