Nigeria, despite being Africa’s most populous nation and boasting substantial oil reserves, has struggled to uphold the right of its citizens to good health.
Development Diaries reports that a significant portion of Nigeria’s population still lacks access to basic health care services, with rural areas suffering disproportionately from inadequate infrastructure and medical facilities.
As the world marked International Health Day on 07 April, the World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasised that health is not only a fundamental human right but also central to peace and prosperity.
This is why addressing health inequities requires intentional efforts from the Nigerian government.
In Africa, the right to Health is guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, while in Nigeria, the right to health is guaranteed under Chapter Two of the country’s constitution and the National Health Insurance Scheme Act (1999), etc.
Unfortunately, limited government investment in health care, coupled with rampant corruption, has hindered efforts to improve the health system, leaving many Nigerians vulnerable to preventable diseases and ailments.
Also, the gap in health care access between rural and urban areas feeds the cycle of poverty and illness by worsening already-existing socioeconomic disparities.
The Nigerian health care system continues to face numerous challenges, including a shortage of skilled health care professionals and inadequate funding for essential medical supplies and equipment.
Also, public hospitals often lack basic amenities, forcing many citizens to seek expensive private health care or travel abroad for treatment.
Despite government initiatives aimed at improving health care access, systemic issues such as corruption and mismanagement hinder progress, leaving millions of Nigerians without proper medical care.
Addressing these systemic challenges will require sustained investment in health care infrastructure, effective governance, and policies aimed at prioritising the well-being of all Nigerians.
Without meaningful reform, Nigeria will continue to struggle to provide its citizens with access to the quality health care they deserve.
In commemoration of World Health Day with the theme ‘My Health, My Right’, Development Diaries calls on the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, to uphold the progress towards fulfilling the right to health for its citizens by ensuring sustained investment in health care infrastructure, effective governance, and policies.
Photo source: United Nations
