As world enters a new year, citizens across Nigeria are expressing high hopes and expectations for a better-performing health sector.
In separate interviews on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Abuja, some expressed their concern.
From Lagos to Kano, and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, they called for transformative reforms to address systemic challenges, improve healthcare access, and ensure equitable services for all.
One recurring demand is for the government to allocate more funding to the health sector.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria’s health expenditure as a percentage of GDP remains below the recommended standard.
Citizens urged the federal and state governments to prioritise investments in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Mr Bashir Adamu, a community leader in Kaduna, said that many of the state’s health facilities are dilapidated, lacking essential equipment and medications.
Adamu called for functional hospitals and well-equipped primary healthcare centres in every local government area.
Stakeholders are also advocating for improved access to affordable healthcare services.
Rising out-of-pocket expenditures continue to burden households, especially the poor.
The stakeholders called for an expansion of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the adoption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policies.
Mrs Joy Chika Nwankwo, a school teacher in Enugu, said that healthcare should not be a privilege for the rich.
“The government must make health insurance accessible and affordable for everyone, including informal workers,” she said.
With Nigeria bearing one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, women groups and advocacy organisations call for immediate action to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Mrs Fatima Usman, a midwife in Maiduguri, said that there was a need to ensure that every pregnant woman had access to quality antenatal care and safe delivery services.
According to Usman, no woman should die giving life.
The exodus of healthcare workers from the country is another issue of concern.
Many Nigerians hope that the government will address this brain drain by improving the welfare and working conditions of health professionals.
“Better salaries, continuous training, and incentives will encourage our doctors and nurses to stay and serve their communities,” said Dr Olu Balogun, a public health physician in Lagos.
The recent Mpox outbreak and the lingering threat of diseases like cholera, Lassa fever, and malaria have heightened the call for a stronger public health response.
Public health experts urged the government to strengthen disease surveillance systems, improve vaccination coverage, and ensure rapid responses to emergencies.
“lNgozi Okafor, a parent in Abuja, urged the government to invest in public health preparedness and ensure every child gets vaccinated.
Citizens are optimistic that the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, under Minister Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, will bring the much-needed transformation.
However, they stressed the need for transparency and accountability in implementing health sector policies and programmes.
According to Adebola Taiwo, a civil society activist, we have capable leaders, but they must ensure that allocated funds are used judiciously to the benefit of the average Nigerian.
By Abujah Racheal
