The “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” highlights notable progress in Nigeria’s health sector, including increases in health insurance coverage and modern contraceptive use. However, challenges persist, such as low facility-based deliveries, high neonatal mortality rates, and significant gaps in immunization coverage. The report calls for urgent policy actions to address these issues and strengthen the healthcare system.
A recent report indicates significant improvements in Nigeria’s health sector, particularly in areas such as health insurance coverage, maternal and child health, and workforce development. The “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” offers an in-depth evaluation of healthcare progress while also identifying ongoing challenges including low rates of facility-based deliveries, elevated neonatal mortality, gaps in immunization, and uneven distribution of healthcare professionals.
The report demonstrates that health insurance coverage has risen, with approximately 19.1 million Nigerians covered by December 2024, up from 16.8 million in 2023, reflecting the government’s efforts towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Nevertheless, many citizens still experience financial hardship due to out-of-pocket healthcare costs, underlining a critical gap in financial protection for the majority of the population.
Notably, the usage of modern contraceptives among married women aged 15-49 has risen from 12% in 2018 to 15% in 2024. Despite this increase, the unmet need for family planning remains high at 21%, indicating that many women still lack access to necessary contraceptive resources. The report highlights that only 18.5% of facilities had contraceptive pills available and that only 43% of women delivered in healthcare facilities, suggesting a reliance on home births that could pose complications.
The under-five mortality rate has decreased from 132 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births between 2018 and 2023, showcasing progress. However, neonatal deaths continue to occur at a rate of 41 per 1,000 live births, which constitutes 37% of under-five deaths. Alarmingly, only 39% of children aged 12-23 months received all recommended vaccinations, with 31% not vaccinated at all.
The report also addresses the critical issue of malnutrition, noting that while 49% of health facilities offer nutrition-related services, there remains an urgent need for caregiver education on appropriate feeding practices. Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension pose serious public health risks, with 31% of Nigerians affected by hypertension and only a small percentage of health facilities providing necessary care.
Healthcare workforce issues were highlighted; Nigeria’s doctor-to-population ratio is critically low at 2.9 doctors per 10,000 people, significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommendation. Furthermore, 80% of physicians are located in urban areas, exacerbating rural healthcare disparities.
The report calls for policies to reinforce Nigeria’s health system, including increased healthcare funding at all governmental levels, expanded health insurance to lessen out-of-pocket costs, and enhanced family planning and maternal health services. Additionally, it emphasizes strengthening immunization and nutrition intervention programs, expanding hypertension and diabetes care, and incentivizing healthcare workers to serve in rural communities.
The report advocates for local manufacturing of medicines and vaccines, enhanced disease surveillance, and improved health security infrastructure. By investing in preparedness and response measures for future health crises, Nigeria can work towards a more resilient healthcare system for its populace.
In conclusion, the “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” underscores significant advancements in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in health insurance, maternal and child health. However, it also reveals critical gaps such as low facility-based deliveries, high neonatal mortality, and a lack of access to essential health services. The findings call for concerted policy efforts to enhance healthcare funding, improve service access, and adequately equip healthcare facilities to better serve the needs of all Nigerians, especially in rural areas.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
