Besides Covid-19 where cases approach 60,000 and over 1,000 deaths, Nigeria has a huge burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Covid statistics actually paint an impressive picture for a nation of 200 million people with a comparatively weak health system.
The country is suffering from another health crisis that hardly came in the limelight. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 115,950 cancer cases and 70,328 deaths in Nigeria in 2018. Research suggests that cancer deaths in Nigeria and other developing countries may rise by 70% until 2030, the year fixed by the UN to achieve universal health coverage and several other health targets.
At a time when the country has deployed its maximum resources in combating Covid-19, concerns have arisen about the handling of other deadly diseases like cancer, Lassa Fever, Yellow Fever, Monkey Pox, Meningitis, and Diabetes. To read a comprehensive picture of Nigeria’s healthcare system and Covid response. click on the link below.
Advocacy Action: How is your country meeting the United Nations Universal Health targets? Can you obtain a debate or a report to share with others? Are their lessons to be learned from the Nigerian experience?