“Failure to plan is planning to fail.” The coronavirus pandemic taught countries this silver lining lesson, albeit at a cost for some. It would be thus unwise as a country not to carry over these teachings to other health endeavours. This is especially true for Nigeria, which has had an interesting half year in the health sector as it related to the novel virus. And come to think of it, is coronavirus the only health challenge Nigeria is facing? NO!
While COVID-19 cases are undoubtedly many with over 11 thousand active cases and more than a thousand deaths, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates Nigeria accounts for over 24 per cent of global deaths from malaria. And although it may be inaccurate to compare Malaria-related death cases yearly to COVID-19 now, the principle remains. We need a proactive approach.
In the same vein, more health problems facing the country need the same urgent attention given to COVID-19. Every disease needs the same level of commitment to combat these challenges and ensure effective health measures.
Here are some health challenges Nigerians face other than the coronavirus:
Malaria- 24% of global deaths
Nigeria remains a hotbed for malaria. It accounts for 25 per cent of all malaria cases and almost 24 per cent of all global malaria deaths.
According to the WHO estimates, approximately 57 million cases of malaria and nearly 100,000 malaria-related deaths occur each year. Despite these alarming figures, commitments and results of elimination are not commensurate. The country commits more than ₦400 billion (over $1 billion) yearly to the elimination of malaria in the country via out-of-pocket treatments and prevention expenditures.
Although Africa had a reduction in malaria deaths, from 533,000 in 2010 to 380,000 in 2018, the WHO has advised leaders to tailor malaria intervention programs in the COVID-19 response. Indeed, if adequate measures are not in place, countries may lose grounds covered to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cancer – 72,000 deaths in Nigeria yearly
According to the Nigeria National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan, Cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths in Nigeria every year, with about 102,000 fresh cases recorded annually. From this figure, Prostate, Cervix, and Uteri made up the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world. The Federal Government must not only increase advocacy on early detection; but must also prioritise commitments to the fight against cancer. Active cancer cases pose a higher risk of complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in a new normal and decisions moving forward have to reflect that.
HIV/AIDS – 1.9 million people
Results from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) survey showed challenges for HIV prevention in the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Survey, sub-Saharan Africa may record additional 500,000 extra deaths from AIDS-related illnesses because of COVID-19. Alongside other difficulties, movement restrictions have compounded treatments and commitment to the 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria. Thenceforth, the Nigerian government should also align its vision to ensure the reduction of HIV prevalence in the country.
Diarrheal Diseases – leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria
Data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) showed that diarrhoea remains a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The prevalence rate is 18.8% in Nigeria and accounts for about 150,000 deaths yearly amongst children under five. The major barrier to the elimination of diarrhoea-related deaths includes poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Lassa Fever – 222 deaths so far in 2020
Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever, and it is endemic in Nigeria. The virus passes through food contaminated with infected rat urine or faeces. The number of suspected cases jumped to 5,527 in 2020, with 1,061 confirmed cases and 222 deaths as of August 2020, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Looking ahead
To achieve its commitments in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria must ensure it takes seriously the matter of health challenges. Thus, increasing funding to the sector for critical infrastructure should be considered.
While some of Nigeria’s response to the pandemic is laudable, she needs to transfer these lessons across the board. The same attention government accorded the novel virus amid the gaze of the international community should be the same emphasis placed with national epidemics, arguably more.
Furthermore, they need to collaborate and align efforts with donor agencies and NGOs; this will help in provide efficient and effective health care delivery in Nigeria. Anything short, the focus on COVID-19 might erase some success gained in the health sector over years.