The “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” presents notable progress in Nigeria’s healthcare, particularly in health insurance and maternal health, while also highlighting challenges such as low facility deliveries, high neonatal mortality rates, and malnutrition. Recommendations include increased healthcare funding, improved family planning services, and enhanced disease management to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems.
A recent report titled “The 2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” reveals significant advancements in Nigeria’s healthcare, particularly in health insurance coverage, maternal and child health services, and workforce development. However, the document outlines continuing obstacles such as the prevalence of low facility-based deliveries and high neonatal mortality rates, as well as gaps in immunization and healthcare worker distribution. This analysis is crucial for policymakers aiming to enhance health outcomes nationwide.
The report highlights an increase in health insurance coverage, indicating progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). As of December 2024, approximately 19.1 million Nigerians were insured, an increase from 16.8 million in the previous year. Nonetheless, the majority of the population remains without financial protection, resulting in considerable out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for households.
Notably, the proportion of married women aged 15-49 utilizing modern contraceptives increased from 12% in 2018 to 15% in 2023. Yet, an unmet need for family planning persists at 21%, driven by limited access to contraceptive methods, with only 18.5% of healthcare facilities having contraceptive pills available.
The report indicates that only 43% of women deliver in health facilities, prompting concerns over health risks associated with home births. It recognizes a decline in infant mortality, noting improvements from 132 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births between 2018 and 2023. However, neonatal deaths continue to account for 37% of under-five fatalities, with vaccination coverage remaining alarmingly low.
Malnutrition persists as a critical public health issue, with only 49% of facilities offering nutrition-related services. Additionally, the report highlights the significant burden of non-communicable diseases, revealing that 31% of Nigerians suffer from hypertension. Only a small percentage of health facilities provide management for such conditions.
The report outlined that Nigeria has a troubling doctor-to-population ratio of 2.9 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the WHO guideline. It emphasizes the need for more equitable distribution of healthcare resources, as a majority of doctors are concentrated in urban centers.
To fortify Nigeria’s health system, the report recommends increased funding at various governmental levels, expanded health insurance, enhanced access to care, and bolstered maternal health services. It also advocates for improved immunization strategies and nutrition education to mitigate malnutrition.
The report calls for reinforced local manufacturing of medicines and vaccines and underscores the necessity for advanced disease surveillance systems and emergency response mechanisms to improve health security in Nigeria. Policymakers are urged to support these initiatives to ensure the well-being of all Nigerians.
The “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” illustrates both progress and ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. While advances in insurance coverage and reductions in child mortality are commendable, significant gaps persist in access to maternal care, family planning, and disease management. The report calls for urgent policy interventions to address these issues and enhance overall health outcomes across the nation.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
