World Health Day

April 7 is set aside every year to celebrate World Health Day.

The theme for this year’s World Health Day “Achieving Health For All” resonates deeply with Nigeria, a country with a population of over 200 million people, where access to quality healthcare is still a major challenge for a significant percentage of the population.

In the considered opinion of this newspaper, it is important to reflect on the state of healthcare in Nigeria, and how we can collectively work towards achieving a healthier society.

Over the years, Nigeria has been plagued by a number of health challenges, ranging from infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer.

The country has also had to deal with outbreaks of deadly diseases such as Ebola, Cholera, Meningitis Lassa fever and Covid 19.

The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international organisations and non-governmental organisations, has made efforts to improve the country’s healthcare system, but there is still a long way to go.

One major challenge facing Nigeria’s healthcare system is the inadequate funding of the sector. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria spends less than 5% of its total budget on healthcare, which is far below the recommended 15% by the WHO. This inadequate funding has led to a shortage of essential drugs, medical equipment, and qualified medical personnel.

Another challenge facing the healthcare sector in Nigeria is the inadequate distribution of health facilities. A majority of the health facilities in Nigeria are concentrated in urban areas, leaving the rural areas with little or no access to quality healthcare. This has led to a situation where people living in rural areas have to travel long distances to access healthcare, or resort to quack doctors and traditional healers.

The elephant in the room presently is the medical brain drain and the mass exodus of doctors from the country . According to Nigerian officials, at least 5,600 Nigerian medical doctors have migrated to the United Kingdom (UK) in the last eight years.

And according to the data obtained from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, at  least 85 per cent of Nigerian doctors are planning to leave the country. We cannot continue like this .

Sadly,  the healthcare system in Nigeria is also faced with the challenge of corruption. Reports have shown that some healthcare providers engage in corrupt practices such as embezzlement of funds, kickbacks, and nepotism, which further exacerbate the challenges faced by the sector.

To build a fairer and healthier world for everyone in Nigeria, it is essential that the government, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders work together to address these challenges.

Firstly, the government needs to increase its funding of the healthcare sector. The government should allocate a significant portion of the national budget to healthcare, and ensure that the funds are properly utilized for the provision of essential drugs, medical equipment, and the recruitment and training of qualified medical personnel.

Secondly, the government needs to ensure the equitable distribution of health facilities across the country. This can be achieved by establishing more health facilities in rural areas, and providing incentives for medical personnel to work in such areas.

Thirdly, the government needs to tackle corruption in the healthcare sector. This can be achieved by implementing policies that ensure transparency and accountability in the management of healthcare funds, and by sanctioning healthcare providers who engage in corrupt practices.

In addition to the government’s efforts, healthcare providers also have a crucial role to play in building a fairer and healthier Nigeria. Healthcare providers should prioritize patient-centered care and ensure that patients have access to quality healthcare services regardless of their socio-economic status.

Healthcare providers should also ensure that they are adequately trained and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality healthcare services.

Furthermore, they should engage in continuous professional development to keep up with the latest developments in the healthcare sector.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also have a role to play in building a fairer and healthier Nigeria. NGOs should collaborate with the government and healthcare providers to provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations. NGOs can also provide training and capacity building programs for healthcare providers, and advocate for policies that promote equitable access to healthcare services.

Consequently, individuals have a responsibility to take care of their health. This can be achieved by adopting healthy lifestyles such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and

regular medical check-ups. Individuals should also prioritise the prevention of diseases by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding risky behaviors.

The  theme of this year’s World Health Day, Achieving Health For All” is a reminder that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Nigeria, like many other developing countries, faces significant challenges in achieving this goal, but it is not impossible.

The government, healthcare providers, NGOs, and individuals must work together to address the challenges facing the healthcare sector and ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. As we celebrate World Health Day, let us all commit to building a fairer and healthier Nigeria for everyone.