Omoragbon Demands Inclusive Review of Diaspora Health Initiative 2026
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Pastor Peters Omoragbon, a leading figure in diaspora nursing organizations, has called for an urgent review of the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative 2026 (DHII 2026), citing concerns that its current framework excludes critical healthcare professionals.
Omoragbon, who serves as Executive President of Nurses Across the Borders and heads multiple diaspora nursing associations in Europe and the UK, acknowledged the initiative’s goal to leverage global medical expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s health system but warned that the planning process is too narrow.
He emphasized that healthcare delivery requires a multi-disciplinary approach, where physicians, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and allied health professionals collaborate seamlessly. According to him, sidelining any group undermines the effectiveness of interventions and weakens the nation’s health system.
The DHII 2026, organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Federal Ministry of Health, aims to mobilize diaspora medical professionals to provide specialized care and knowledge transfer to underserved regions. While praised for its intent, the program’s operational design currently favors a limited professional group.
Omoragbon noted that previous diaspora-led medical missions succeeded because they involved multi-sector collaboration. Excluding nursing and allied health representatives, he argued, misses opportunities to harness the full expertise and professional capital available from Nigerians abroad.
He recommended immediate restructuring of the initiative to include a wider representation of professional bodies in planning and execution. Omoragbon urged the creation of multi-disciplinary operational teams and a protocol ensuring all future diaspora health programs embrace inclusivity and equity.
Concluding, Omoragbon reaffirmed his readiness to contribute diaspora networks, skills, and experience to the DHII 2026. He stressed that success should be measured not only by procedures performed but by the strength of partnerships and the fairness of engagement across all healthcare professions.
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