AXA Mansard: Healthcare Access Critical to Workforce Productivity, Economic Growth

By LOVETH-AZODO CHIJIOKE,  Lagos

AXA Mansard Health has underscored the nexus between accessible healthcare, workforce productivity, and sustainable economic development, describing robust healthcare financing as a strategic investment essential for unlocking Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.

Speaking at the formal unveiling of the insurer’s “Culture of Care” campaign in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Mr. Tope Adeniyi, argued that healthcare should no longer be viewed strictly through a social or philanthropic lens, but rather as a primary catalyst for macroeconomic stability.

Adeniyi observed that systemic gaps in healthcare access continue to strain household finances, erode labor output, and stifle economic growth across the country. High out-of-pocket medical expenditures, he noted, frequently push families into financial distress, while unmanaged health conditions disrupt workforce output and place undue operational burdens on corporate organizations.

“Care is often viewed through a social lens, but it also has significant economic implications,” Adeniyi stated. “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.”

He added: “Improving access to healthcare is one of the most effective ways to improve quality of life and support economic development. 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.”

According to him, the Culture of Care initiative is designed to spotlight the contributions of caregivers across various strata of society—ranging from parents and healthcare professionals to employers and individuals tending to aging relatives—while drawing attention to the institutional support they require to function effectively.

Adeniyi emphasized that for caregivers to sustain their roles within families and workplaces, society must provide reliable, structured support systems anchored on accessible and affordable healthcare services.

With Nigeria striving to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the health maintenance organization (HMO) boss called for deeper private sector collaboration. He noted that corporate institutions must step up investments in digital health technologies, inclusive health insurance pools, and preventive wellness programs to bridge existing coverage deficits.

Adeniyi reiterated AXA Mansard Health’s commitment to expanding coverage through tailored insurance products, tech-enabled healthcare delivery, and preventive care frameworks designed to eliminate financial bottlenecks at the point of care.

“This campaign is a reminder that care should remain at the centre of how we think about progress,” Adeniyi maintained. “When societies invest in the health and wellbeing of their people, they create the conditions for stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and sustainable prosperity. Care is one of society’s greatest assets, and when supported by accessible healthcare, its impact extends far beyond health outcomes to become a catalyst for human progress.”