Nigeria is grappling with a critical health crisis rooted in deepening health inequality. Recent reports reveal that approximately 60% of Nigerians survive on less than $2 a day, further worsening disparities in access to healthcare. Professor John Ataguba, a leading health economics expert, cautioned that insufficient health financing and weak government support continue to amplify these problems, speaking during a high-level health financing policy dialogue in Abuja.
He explained that Nigeria spends only about 30 dollars per person on healthcare. Out of this, the government spends only 14 dollars. However, experts say that at least $ 86 per person is needed to provide basic health services. This gap creates health inequality, where many people cannot access the care they need. The funding gap means essential services like vaccinations, maternal care, and emergency medical attention are often unavailable or inaccessible to those in need. Hospitals frequently face shortages of necessary medications and equipment, leading to compromised patient care and increased mortality rates. Policy makers must recognize that underfunding healthcare prevents the system from providing adequate services, further widening the health disparity across the country.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Drive Health Inequality
Most Nigerians pay for medical bills directly from their pockets. Professor Ataguba said this system pushes many families into poverty. It also fuels health inequality, because only the rich can afford proper healthcare.
When the government spends less, private companies take over. But leaving healthcare fully to market forces makes health inequality worse, because the poor are left behind.
Health Inequality Across States
There are wide gaps between states. Some states like Delta and Abuja do better with health insurance, but others such as Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Bauchi are far behind. Fewer than 10 percent of Nigerians are covered by health insurance today. Ataguba warned that coverage must rise to at least 80 percent if Nigeria wants to fight health inequality.
Maternal and Child Health Inequality
The expert also highlighted worrying issues with child and maternal health. Less than one-third of Nigerian children are fully vaccinated. In states like Sokoto and Niger, almost half of children under two years have never received even one vaccine.
Maternal health is equally troubling. Nigeria has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world, with nearly 1,000 deaths for every 100,000 births. Many pregnant women do not get the recommended number of health visits. This is another form of inequality that puts mothers and babies at risk.
What Needs to Change
Professor Ataguba called on the government to raise more money through better taxes. He said health insurance should be reformed to cover more people and reduce out-of-pocket spending. Local governments should also be given power and funds to manage health services. Without these changes, health inequalities will persist and continue to grow.
Final Thoughts on Health Inequality
Nigeria’s health system is weak, and millions of people are suffering from health inequality. Unless the government spends more, empowers local leaders, and improves health insurance, many families will continue to be left behind.
Conclusion
Health inequality in Nigeria is one of the biggest threats to mothers, children, and poor households. Act now: demand more funding, support equitable policies, and champion strong local leadership. Your voice can help reduce health inequality and create lasting change. To learn more about solutions and women’s empowerment, visit genderpedia.ng/shop.
