Nigeria’s health and wellness by 2030 depend on economic stability, governance, healthcare reforms, social issues, technology, environment, and cultural dynamics. A comprehensive approach considering these factors is essential for a positive health prognosis.

Analyzing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in the above context—North Central, North East, North West, South East, South-South, and South West—offers a clearer perspective on these factors. Indeed, as economic stability shapes healthcare accessibility in Nigeria, with volatility from oil dependence, inflation, and currency fluctuations.

Future predictions by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics suggest a growth rate of 4.5% by 2028 (NBS, 2023). Perhaps with a hindsight from a rather sometimes not so perceived friendliness from International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s submission of 3.3% for Nigeria’s economy in 2024, up from 2.9% last year, citing improving services and trade sectors. Perhaps enough political will improve healthcare infrastructure in major cities like Lagos and Abuja significantly.

That means postulations for a steady GDP decline from 3.4 % in 2024 tipping same percentile in 2028 by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics might stabilize economic environment. Healthcare investment could rise through government alignment with international standards, public-private partnerships, and good governance. President Tinubu’s push for improved accountability by 2026 could reduce misappropriation, enabling modern healthcare facilities in Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.

Political stability fosters sustainable healthcare investments. Collaboration among local governments, NGOs, and international organizations will enhance service delivery, especially in maternal and child health programs. This is crucial, given the fact that maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is one of the highest globally, with 512 deaths per 100,000 live births (UNICEF, 2021). Enhancing maternal and child health programs to reduce high pregnancy and childbirth mortality rates in northern regions is essential.

The National Health Act and planned expansions in health insurance aim to significantly improve healthcare accessibility in Nigeria. By 2030, it is estimated that over 50% of Nigerians might have access to health insurance, which would greatly enhance the affordability of health services. Currently, only about 3% of Nigerians have health insurance, primarily provided by employers. Among those insured, 56.7% are men, with 43.3% as women. This expansion is particularly beneficial for low-income rural populations in the South East and North East regions. Reforms will boost rural healthcare, emphasizing public health campaigns, vaccination drives, and chronic disease management to improve national health indicators.

Strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) programs remains a priority in reducing health disparities across regions. By 2028, the Federal Ministry of Health aims to establish functional PHC centers in every political ward, focusing on rural North West and North East regions to address communicable diseases and maternal health issues.

Unemployment among Nigeria’s youth cause mental and physical health issues. Skill acquisition programs and mental health initiatives aim to reduce depression and anxiety by 2030, fostering healthier communities through support systems and community involvement.

Nigeria’s tech boom will drive digital healthcare transformation, offering innovative solutions in urban centers like Lagos and Ibadan. An increase of 20% in patient engagement through these digital avenues is projected by 2030 (McKinsey, 2023). Telemedicine and mobile health apps are revolutionizing healthcare in Lagos and Ibadan. Digital health records and remote consultations will boost accessibility and patient engagement by 20% by 2030, enhancing disease monitoring and treatment outcomes.

Climate change worsens respiratory and vector-borne diseases. Nigeria’s climate resilience and pollution reduction are crucial for public health. South-South councils should lead environmental health campaigns. Integrating traditional healing with modern medicine and cultural programs by 2028 will boost mental health and community health outcomes. Improved national security will enhance healthcare access in the North East. The Nigerian diaspora will boost social security, enhancing health funding, medical training, and infrastructure by 2030. https://venturesafrica.com/wellahealth-is-helping-nigerians-in-diaspora-take-care-of-their-loved-ones/

Continuous assessment and reform are vital for Nigeria’s healthcare system. National dialogues and policy reforms will shape its future. From 2025 to 2030, collaboration among government, private sector, and diaspora should enhance health outcomes, significantly improving access and quality for a healthier Nigeria.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, confronts a myriad of challenges in its quest to provide adequate healthcare for its vast and diverse population. The Nigerian healthcare system, characterized by a complex amalgamation of public and private sectors, faces disparities in access and quality of care that undermine its effectiveness. This essay delves into the intricacies of Nigeria’s healthcare predicament, exploring the current state of affairs, identifying key challenges, and proposing potential pathways for improvement.

The Multifaceted Challenges of the Nigerian Healthcare System

Infrastructure and Facilities: A significant barrier to quality healthcare in Nigeria is the deplorable state of healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural locales. The scarcity of essential amenities, such as clean water, electricity, and medical supplies, cripples the ability of health facilities to provide effective care, thus exacerbating the country’s mortality rates.

Human Resources: Another critical issue is the acute shortage of healthcare professionals. Nigeria’s healthcare sector is beleaguered by a dearth of doctors, nurses, and other skilled personnel, a situation worsened by the migration of qualified professionals abroad in pursuit of greener pastures.

Funding and Financing: The chronic underfunding of the healthcare sector represents a significant hurdle. The government’s allocation to healthcare falls dramatically short of what is required to cater to the health needs of its population, compelling many to resort to out-of-pocket expenditures for health services.

Disease Burden: Nigeria is besieged by a high prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The dual challenge of combating diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, alongside non-communicable conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, necessitates a robust and resilient healthcare system.

Seizing Opportunities for Healthcare System Improvement

Universal Health Coverage (UHC): A pivotal step towards ameliorating Nigeria’s healthcare woes is the adoption of universal health coverage. Achieving UHC demands substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and financing mechanisms to ensure all Nigerians have access to essential healthcare services.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Prioritizing primary healthcare services could significantly enhance access to basic health services for the Nigerian populace. Expanding the primary healthcare facility network and equipping community health workers to deliver primary care are essential strategies in this regard.

Public-Private Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector could bridge existing gaps in healthcare provision. The expertise, technology, and resources from the private sector could augment public healthcare efforts, driving improvements in service delivery.

Health Information Systems: The development of sophisticated health information systems is critical for the effective collection, monitoring, and evaluation of health data. Such systems can facilitate evidence-based policymaking and enhance the quality and outcomes of healthcare services.

Medical Education and Training: Addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of medical education and training. Expanding medical schools, revising training curricula, and incentivizing medical practice in rural areas are crucial measures that could alleviate this issue.

Conclusion

While the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system are daunting, they are not insurmountable. The path to a more efficient and equitable healthcare system is paved with opportunities for reform and improvement. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, underpinned by political commitment, increased funding, and innovative healthcare solutions. By championing universal health coverage, fortifying primary healthcare, leveraging public-private partnerships, enhancing health information infrastructure, and revitalizing medical education, Nigeria can forge ahead towards achieving a healthier future for all its citizens.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) announced that (ZDLH) would provide a framework for Nigeria to promptly generate evidence and strategies that can be used to weigh, invigilate and reach zero dose children and ignored communities in which they live that should be vaccinated.

At the launch in Abuja, the Executive Director, of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib,on Monday September 11th unveiled the Zero Dose Learning Hub(ZDLH) to successfully identify and reach the millions of children who have not yet received a single routine immunization.

“The government acknowledges the leadership provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in prioritising health in his renewed hope agenda.

“In July 2017, Nigeria declared an emergency concerning routine immunization in response to the alarming findings of the 2016/2017 MICS/NICS report, which revealed a distressing Penta 3 coverage rate of only 33 per cent.

“The government established the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC) to address the issue.

“Since the inception of NERICC,immunization coverage has substantially improved throughout the country, with the 2021 NICS report indicating a notable increase, with Penta 3 coverage standing at an encouraging 57 per cent.

He, however, said that the government acknowledged that it has not attained its designated goal in immunization coverage.

“The government has implemented a range of strategic interventions to address the multitude of challenges and obstacles that have hindered their efforts to establish an effective routine immunization system.

“These initiatives include Optimized Outreach Sessions (OOS), Optimised Integrated Routine Immunization Sessions (OIRIS), Routine Immunization Intensification, Quarterly Lot Quality Assurance Survey (LQAS) to access their progress, and other strategies that are gradually yielding positive outcomes,” he explained.

“The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in routine immunization efforts, resulting in suboptimal coverage rates.

“The government has emerged from this crisis with renewed determination and innovative approaches to fortify its immunization system.

“It represents a promise that no child will be left behind, no matter their circumstances or where they are born.

“The government aims to enhance the capabilities of individuals engaged in the administration of immunization services at both national and subnational levels through the learning hub.

“The launch of the Zero Dose Learning Hub is a milestone moment in the global fight against preventable diseases.

“I urged everyone to remember that this was not just about data and statistics; it was about lives saved, futures protected, and communities strengthened.

“It’s about a parent’s relief, a healthcare worker’s dedication, and a child’s smile.

“I urge everyone to continue working together to ensure that every child was protected through vaccination.”

The Regional Technical Coordinator, AFENET, Dr Patrick Nguku in his statement said: “Nigeria was leading the pack of countries with the highest number of zero-dose children globally.

“The learning hub was an innovative approach to advance the uptake of research and evidence to improve immunization policies and programming in the country.

“Nigeria so far is the fourth country to implement the zero dose hub joining the likes of Mali, Uganda and Bangladesh.

“The hub will be implemented in two phases with Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Sokoto as priority states based on certain criteria’s bothering on insecurity, and presence of IDP camps amongst other factors.”

Representing the UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, the Chief of Health, Dr Edwardo Celades in his statement said: “The zero dose learning hub was a critical initiative to improve immunization coverage and equity in the country.”

In a bit to have effective and healthy childrens as a result of breastfeeding in Bauchi and in Nigeria,Bauchi Recommended a six months maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers.

On Wednesday at a media dialogue to commemorate the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week held in Katagum LGA of Bauchi state.

Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office Tushar Rane in his Statement to the Press said:
“Employer’s must often provide needed support to breastfeeding mothers for at least six months.

“The government and employers must provide the biggest assistance mother’s and care givers needs.”

Executive Chairman BSPhCDA Dr. Rilwadu Mohammed in his Statement to the Press said:
“We want to get the law because this same law has been pass in Kaduna and in Lagos state and we want to get this law so that we can adopt it and bring all into function for the betterment of our state and Nation as a whole.

“The extension will enable working mothers and students to go on maternity leave for six months or four months.

“Let us ensure that we inform the fathers, grandfathers and caregivers that a working-class mother or student is an important mother and should have a safe place, privacy in her working place and flexible time for her to go home and breastfeed her baby.

“I want to use this opportunity to inform you that Bauchi state has agreed to send a law that would take care of both the six months of maternity leave and create an enabling environment for working-class mothers.”

Chairman Of Bauchi Assembly Committees On Health Lawal Dauda in his Statement to the press said: “Since the law it’s an existence for three months martenity leave and they want to reavel that though it has been amended to expend to six months maternity leave which the house of assembly is ready and waiting for the load to come off so that we will facilitate our function.”

A Nutrition Specialist Philomena Irene in her Statement said: “it’s enhances the bound between the mother and her child which provides the child with essential nutrients to keep him healthy and also help the mother.

” it’s cheaper for the nation to invest in breastfeeding and treating other diseases that could occure,if the mother do breastfeeds the child.

” It’s Promotes families bounding making sure the nation is healthy.”

According to organizers the dialogue aim to educate journalist on the need to create more awareness the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and it’s importance to mother’s.