The “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” highlights significant progress in Nigeria’s health insurance coverage and maternal and child health, with 19.1 million insured citizens. Despite these gains, challenges persist, including low facility-based deliveries and high neonatal mortality rates. The report calls for increased healthcare funding and improved access to services to address these persistent issues.
A recent report has indicated significant advancements in Nigeria’s healthcare, particularly in health insurance coverage, maternal and child health, and workforce development. Titled “The 2024 State of Health of the Nation Report,” it provides a comprehensive evaluation of these sectors. Despite recognizing progress, it notes ongoing issues such as low facility-based deliveries and high neonatal mortality rates.
This report aims to inform policymakers about the need for actions to enhance health outcomes throughout Nigeria. Notably, health insurance coverage increased, with 19.1 million Nigerians covered as of December 2024, a rise from 16.8 million in 2023. However, the majority still lack financial protection, leading to significant out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
The usage of modern contraceptives among married women aged 15-49 has increased from 12% in 2018 to 15% in 2023/2024. Despite this progress, the demand for family planning remains high at 21%, indicating a lack of access to contraceptive methods, partly due to low availability in health facilities. Only 18.5% had contraceptive pills, and 19.5% had injectables in stock.
The report highlights that only 43% of women delivered in health facilities, indicating many births happen at home, potentially exacerbating complications. Although under-five mortality has decreased from 132 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, neonatal deaths are still alarmingly high, accounting for 37% of under-five deaths.
Malnutrition also poses a critical public health issue, with gaps in caregiver knowledge regarding proper feeding practices. The care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remains limited, as hypertension affects 31% of the population, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Furthermore, the doctor-to-population ratio stands at an alarming 2.9 doctors per 10,000 people, significantly below WHO’s recommendation of 17. Many doctors are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural areas underserved.
To strengthen Nigeria’s health system, the report underscores the need for greater healthcare funding, enhanced health insurance, and improved accessibility. It calls for consistent availability of family planning supplies and enhanced immunization and nutrition education programs. Expanding training for health workers, particularly in maternal health, is also crucial for addressing existing challenges.
The report advocates local manufacturing improvements for medicines and vaccines, alongside bolstering disease surveillance and emergency response in Nigeria. Such strategic insights are crucial for advancing national health policies.
The “2024 State of Health of the Nation Report” reveals notable advancements in Nigeria’s healthcare system, emphasizing increased health insurance coverage and improvements in maternal and child health. However, critical issues such as high neonatal mortality, inadequate family planning access, and a low doctor-to-population ratio remain pressing concerns. To address these challenges, it advocates for substantial policy reforms, enhanced funding, and greater healthcare accessibility. Emphasizing local drug production and disease preparedness is crucial for sustainable health improvements in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
