Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, is currently facing a variety of complex and multifaceted public health challenges. Despite substantial progress in certain areas, numerous Nigerians continue to grapple with health issues that are deeply rooted in socioeconomic factors, infrastructural deficits, and systemic inefficiencies. At VertexE Hub, it is essential to understand these challenges from a data-driven perspective to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions that will effect meaningful change.
The Current Public Health Landscape in Nigeria
Nigeria’s health indicators need to be more consistent. Although there have been advancements in specific areas, such as the decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates, other obstacles continue to exist, such as the burden of infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and health inequities. Let us explore some of Nigeria’s most urgent public health issues, as evidenced by data.
- Infectious Diseases: A Continuing Burden
In Nigeria, infectious diseases continue to be a substantial public health concern. Malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS continue to be prevalent, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Malaria: Nigeria is responsible for approximately 27% of global malaria cases and 23% of malaria-related fatalities. The high incidence of malaria results from the country’s tropical climate and the challenges associated with mosquito control. Despite ongoing efforts, the healthcare system is still being strained by the disease, particularly during the monsoon season.
• HIV/AIDS: Nigeria is home to the world’s second-largest HIV epidemic. Even though the nation has made progress in enhancing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), data indicates that stigma, discrimination, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure persist in impeding efforts to control the epidemic.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Nigeria is one of the 30 countries with a high TB burden in the world. There is a growing concern regarding multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is further exacerbated by deficiencies in the healthcare system, such as inadequate diagnostic capabilities and restricted treatment accessibility.
- Non-Communicable Diseases: A Rising Threat
Although infectious diseases have historically been the primary focus of public health initiatives in Nigeria, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now emerging as a substantial hazard. An increasing proportion of mortality and morbidity in the nation is attributable to NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and malignancies.
Cardiovascular Diseases: According to data, cardiovascular diseases are currently the most prevalent cause of NCD-related fatalities in Nigeria. The increase in obesity, hypertension, and harmful lifestyles are contributing factors. Nevertheless, there is a lack of awareness and access to preventive care.
• Diabetes: The number of Nigerians living with the condition is estimated to be 4 million, and the prevalence of the disease has been growing consistently. Limited access to healthcare and a shortage of awareness regarding the disease results in a significant number of cases remaining undiagnosed.
• Cancer: The incidence of cancer in Nigeria is on the rise, with breast and cervical malignancies being the most prevalent among women and prostate cancer among men. Cancer care in the nation is significantly plagued by late diagnosis, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and poor access to treatment.
- Maternal and Child Health: Progress and Persistent Challenges
However, Nigeria has made strides in decreasing maternal and child mortality rates; however, these figures remain unacceptable in comparison to global averages.
Maternal Mortality: Nigeria is responsible for approximately 20% of the global maternal mortality rate. Although the maternal mortality ratio has decreased, it continues to be among the highest in the globe. As indicated by data-driven insights, limited access to quality healthcare, competent birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care are among the primary factors contributing to this challenge.
• Child Mortality: Nigeria’s under-five mortality rate is 100 per 1,000 live births, which is significantly higher than the global average. Malnutrition and preventable diseases, including malaria, diarrhoea, and pneumonia, are significant contributors to child mortality. Although there have been improvements in immunisation coverage, there are still substantial voids, particularly in rural areas.
- Health Inequities: A Barrier to Universal Health Coverage
In Nigeria, health inequities are severe, with disparities in access to healthcare services based on gender, socio-economic status, and geographic location.
Geographic Disparities: The healthcare infrastructure in rural Nigeria is severely lacking, resulting in many communities having limited or no access to essential health services. Rural populations’ health outcomes are indicative of this disparity, as they experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity.
• Socio-Economic Inequities: In Nigeria, poverty substantially impedes healthcare access. Many Nigerians are unable to afford the cost of healthcare services, resulting in delayed care or untreated conditions, and out-of-pocket payments are prevalent.
• Inequities in Gender: Nigeria’s women and girls encounter a variety of health challenges, such as gender-based violence, high rates of maternal mortality, and limited access to reproductive health services. Cultural and societal norms frequently impede women’s capacity to obtain medical care, thereby exacerbating health disparities.
The Role of Data in Addressing Public Health Challenges
Nigeria must address its public health challenges through data-driven methodologies. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and organisations such as VertexE Hub can:
- Identify Priority Areas: Data enables targeted interventions that address communities’ specific requirements by identifying the most prevalent health issues.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The continuous acquisition and analysis of data enables the monitoring and evaluation of health programs, thereby assuring their effectiveness and making the requisite adjustments.
• Inform Policy and Planning: Data-driven insights inform health policy and planning, guaranteeing that resources are allocated efficiently and interventions are evidence-based.
• Empower Communities: Data can be utilised to educate and empower communities, allowing them to advocate for improved services and take control of their health.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s public health challenges are extensive and intricate; however, they are manageable. By adopting a data-driven approach, we can develop effective strategies to address these challenges and obtain a more comprehensive comprehension of them. At VertexE Hub, we are dedicated to utilising data to effect positive change in Nigeria’s health landscape, endeavouring to create a future where all Nigerians can access the necessary care.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023. Malaria in Nigeria. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/malaria_worldwide/countries/nigeria.html [Accessed 8 August 2024].
Federal Ministry of Health, 2021. National Strategic Health Development Plan II (2021-2025). Abuja: Federal Ministry of Health.
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2023. HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: Facts and Figures. [online] Available at: https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/nigeria [Accessed 8 August 2024].
National Bureau of Statistics, 2022. Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021. Abuja: National Bureau of Statistics.
Nwosu, C.O., 2021. Health inequalities in Nigeria: a multidimensional analysis. International Journal for Equity in Health, [online] 20(1), pp.1-16. Available at: https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-021-01422-y [Accessed 8 August 2024].
World Bank, 2023. Non-communicable diseases in Nigeria: Economic impact and policy implications. [online] Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/non-communicable-diseases-nigeria [Accessed 8 August 2024].
World Health Organization (WHO), 2023. Global Tuberculosis Report 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization.
World Health Organization (WHO), 2022. Nigeria Health Statistics 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/nigeria/health-statistics [Accessed 8 August 2024].


