Healthcare Challenges in Nigeria: A Call for Action
Imagine waking up every day gripped by the fear of succumbing to poor healthcare, a result of your country’s negligence.
Chukwudi, a 10-year-old Nigerian battling HIV in a nation with the world’s highest mortality rate (164.24/1000 people). Is his fear justified? And what measures can his country take to alleviate his plight?
Identifying the Root Causes
Let’s delve into the factors contributing to this alarming mortality rate.
Nigeria bears the burden of communicable diseases, leading to an unprecedented death toll.
Is this merely coincidence?
Upon examining the rate of HIV transmission among children aged 0 to 14, it’s disheartening to discover Nigeria topping the list once again (second place after South Africa).
But why?
Having pinpointed the primary cause of this high death ratio, let’s explore why Nigeria’s healthcare system remains deficient. While insurance coverage remains dismally low (6% of population), a common plight across many African countries, Nigeria stands out for ranking third-lowest in hospital bed availability on the continent (12.14 per 1000 people), reflecting a dire lack of medical infrastructure.
Proposing Effective Solutions
Amidst these challenges, what potential solutions could prove effective?
Over the years, Nigeria has made strides in reducing its death rate, reaching 13.1 per 1000 persons in 2021, primarily through targeted actions such as immunization campaigns, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, malaria control initiatives, tuberculosis (TB) control efforts, and partnerships with international organizations and NGOs. However, this progress falls short of the global target of 7.7 per 1000 persons by 2020.
Recommendations
To bdeveloping the healthcare workforce, enhancing access to medicines and equipment, integrating technology, fostering more public-private partnerships (PPPs), and reforming healthcare financing.
With Nigeria’s abundant resources, it is time to overcome these healthcare challenges and provide its people with the peace and security they deserve to lead healthier lives.uild upon this momentum, it is imperative to intensify efforts and implement additional measures, including investing in healthcare infrastructure,
For a brighter and healthier future Chukwudi !
PS: All data presented span from 2013 to 2021.