By Matthew Tabe
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confessed that Nigeria bears the highest burden of tuberculosis and paediatric, HIV while it also accounts for 50% of all neglected tropical diseases in Africa.
It said that although the prevalence of malaria is declining (from 42% to 23%), the country contributes 27% of global cases and 24% of global deaths.
The WHO Field Presence Cluster Lead, Ahmed Khedr, said Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 29% of all deaths in Nigeria with premature mortality from the 4 main NCDs (Hypertension, Diabetes, Cancers, Malnutrition) accounting for 22% of all deaths.
Khedr who represented the Country Representative, Walter Kazadi Mulombo at the 6th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHEJ) further explained that while the poorest households feel the heaviest impact of these inefficiencies and poor health outcomes as they have limited access to essential health services, the negative externalities pose huge losses to the Nigerian economy.
“There is no single pathway to UHC. All countries must find their own way, in the context of their own social, political, and economic circumstances.
“But the foundation everywhere must be a political commitment to building a strong health system, based on primary care, with an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion.
“Such health systems do not only provide the best health outcomes; they are also the best defence against outbreaks and other health emergencies. In this sense, UHC and health security are truly two sides of the same coin.
“For that reason, Nigeria’s Presidential Summit on universal health coverage in 2014 was a vital step. Its declaration that was signed by Mr. President and all state governors affirms that UHC is key to ensuring equitable access to high-quality, affordable health care for all Nigerians.
“The declaration contains a 23-point statement which recommends a greater commitment of all tiers of government to improving UHC and the institution of mandatory health insurance.”