September 27, (THEWILL) – Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, is rich in culture, resources, and potential. Yet, in many parts of the nation, especially in rural and impoverished communities, access to basic healthcare remains a distant dream. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, emphasise the need for good health and well-being for all. But for regions like Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos where thousands live on stilts, the healthcare crisis is not just about the absence of hospitals—it’s a broader issue of accessibility, affordability, and awareness.
Access to quality healthcare is not just a moral imperative; it is also an economic one. Healthier populations contribute more actively to the economy, creating a cycle of productivity that fuels growth and development. In contrast, poor healthcare access traps individuals and communities in cycles of poverty, with untreated illnesses preventing people from achieving their full potential. For Nigeria, this issue is particularly pressing.
The Harsh Reality of Healthcare Inequality
In rural areas, where 45% of Nigerians reside, healthcare facilities are either scarce or nonexistent. Villages sometimes rely on makeshift clinics run by underqualified personnel or depend on traditional healers due to the absence of trained doctors. Even in urban areas like Lagos, communities like Makoko and Ajegunle are isolated from mainstream healthcare systems, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic medical services. Many of these communities face health risks such as malaria, respiratory diseases, and maternal and child mortality, which are exacerbated by poor sanitation, malnutrition, and a lack of clean water.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently highlighted the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. With fewer than five doctors per 10,000 people, the country is far below the global average. This shortage is even more severe in impoverished communities where many healthcare professionals are unwilling to work due to poor infrastructure, lack of incentives, and safety concerns.
Makoko: A Case Study in Neglected Healthcare
Makoko, a sprawling informal settlement built on stilts over the Lagos Lagoon, is a glaring example of a community left behind. Lacking access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity, healthcare becomes a luxury for its residents. The nearest hospital is often kilometres away, across congested roads and waterways, making even the thought of a hospital visit daunting.
In Makoko, healthcare challenges are compounded by environmental factors. The stilt-based community is prone to floods, and waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are rampant. Pregnant women face particularly high risks, as prenatal and postnatal care are practically nonexistent. Many women deliver their babies at home with the help of untrained midwives, increasing the risk of maternal mortality.
However, despite these dire conditions, the resilience of the Makoko community remains. Organisations like Helpster Charity, in collaboration with local health practitioners, have begun to provide mobile clinics and telemedicine services, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the people most in need. But these efforts need to be scaled up dramatically.
The Role of Technology in Healthcare Access
One of the most promising solutions for expanding healthcare access in Nigeria is the use of technology. With mobile phone penetration reaching nearly 90% of the population, telemedicine presents a powerful tool for bringing healthcare to remote and underserved areas. Telemedicine allows doctors to consult with patients via phone or video calls, diagnosing and prescribing treatments without the need for physical travel.
In Makoko, for example, telemedicine platforms are already being piloted, enabling residents to consult doctors from Lagos teaching hospitals without leaving their community. These digital interventions are proving to be life-saving in emergencies, especially for mothers in labour and children suffering from preventable diseases like malaria.
Another innovative approach being implemented in some rural Nigerian communities is the use of drone technology to deliver essential medicines and vaccines. In hard-to-reach areas, these drones bypass bad roads and bring critical healthcare supplies directly to the people who need them most. This technology, pioneered in places like Rwanda, is now showing promise in Nigeria’s remote villages.
The Economic Case for Healthcare Investment
Improving healthcare access in underserved areas is not just about saving lives—it also has a direct impact on economic growth. When people are healthy, they are more likely to engage in productive activities such as farming, small-scale businesses, and education. Healthier children attend school more regularly, receive a better education, and are more likely to break the cycle of poverty.
The Nigerian economy loses billions of naira annually due to absenteeism and reduced productivity caused by preventable illnesses. By investing in healthcare, particularly preventative care, the nation can save on healthcare costs in the long run. For example, eradicating malaria, which accounts for 60% of outpatient hospital visits in Nigeria, could lead to significant productivity gains.
Beyond economic productivity, healthcare also plays a critical role in empowering women. In Nigeria, where maternal mortality is among the highest in the world, improving healthcare access for women can have transformative effects. When women have access to prenatal care, safe delivery options, and postnatal care, their health outcomes—and that of their children—improve dramatically. This leads to better family health, more women participating in the workforce, and ultimately, more stable communities.
Collaborating for Change: The Role of Public and Private Partnerships
Scaling up healthcare access in underserved communities will require a collaborative effort. The Nigerian government has a critical role to play in creating policies that incentivise healthcare investment and ensure that healthcare services are evenly distributed. But government intervention alone will not be enough. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a sustainable model for delivering healthcare services in underserved areas.
One successful example of PPPs in healthcare delivery is Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which has been expanded through partnerships with private healthcare providers. Although the scheme has yet to reach its full potential, with less than 10% of Nigerians covered, it offers a framework for future growth. Private sector involvement in the form of funding, technological innovation, and healthcare delivery will be key to expanding the reach of health services across Nigeria.
In communities like Makoko, NGOs, private companies, and government agencies can work together to build floating clinics, mobile health units, and healthcare education programmes. By leveraging each sector’s strengths, we can ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for universal healthcare.
Recommendations for Moving Forward
1. Invest in Mobile Clinics and Telemedicine: Expanding telemedicine and mobile health clinics can help address geographical barriers, especially in communities like Makoko. By providing regular, on-site healthcare services, mobile clinics can serve as a lifeline for residents who otherwise cannot access hospitals.
2. Training Community Health Workers: Building the capacity of community health workers in underserved areas will ensure that basic healthcare services are available at all times. These workers, drawn from within the community, are trusted by residents and can provide essential services such as vaccinations, maternal health care, and disease prevention education.
3. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships: The Nigerian government should create incentives for private companies to invest in healthcare infrastructure in rural and impoverished regions. This could take the form of tax breaks, subsidies, or public contracts that encourage the private sector to build hospitals, clinics, and telemedicine platforms.
4. Harness the Power of Technology: From telemedicine to drones, technology holds immense potential to bridge the healthcare gap in Nigeria. Government agencies, NGOs, and private companies should collaborate to implement technology-driven solutions in both rural and urban slums.
5. Target Women and Children: Special focus should be placed on healthcare access for women and children, who are often the most vulnerable populations. By expanding maternal and child health services, Nigeria can improve overall health outcomes and create a healthier, more productive future generation.
Conclusion: Healthcare for All
Expanding healthcare access in underserved communities is one of the most pressing challenges Nigeria faces today. But it is also an opportunity. By investing in innovative solutions, building collaborations between public and private entities, and focusing on the most vulnerable populations, Nigeria can make significant strides toward achieving universal healthcare for all. For communities like Makoko, this could mean the difference between life and death. But more importantly, it could mean a future where every Nigerian has the chance to live a healthy, productive, and prosperous life.
Healthcare is not just a necessity; it is a human right. And it is time for Nigeria to fulfil that right for every citizen, regardless of where they live or how much they earn.
“The healthcare crisis is not just about the absence of hospitals—it’s a broader issue of accessibility, affordability, and awareness.” – Ndiana-Abasi Matthew, MNIPR.
*** written by Ndiana-Abasi Matthew
