For so many women and girls across Nigeria, just trying to get the healthcare they need feels like playing a terrifying game of chance. You never know if you’ll find help that’s there when you need it and works the way it should, and it ends up taking a toll on their health and what they can hope for in life.
“Additionally, societal norms within a patriarchal structure can sometimes limit a woman’s ability to independently make timely decisions about her health and finances.”
A weak healthcare system disproportionately impacts women and girls and leads to severe consequences such as stifled potential and jeopardized lives.
Rapid population growth strains an already fragile infrastructure. Chronic underfunding means the government allocates less than 5 percen of its budget to health, leaving facilities ill-equipped and understaffed. Health worker migration, due to poor rewards and industrial actions, leaves holes in service delivery, especially in rural areas. Inefficiency, systemic neglect, and the insidious creep of corruption further erode the foundations of care.
Nigeria accounts for a high percentage of global maternal deaths, placing it among the countries with the highest rates worldwide. This is a direct consequence of barriers women face in accessing basic healthcare.
For a pregnant woman in a rural community, accessing the nearest clinic can involve considerable distance, time, and expense. Healthcare facilities in these areas may experience shortages of essential equipment, medications, and skilled professionals. The financial burden of care can be substantial for families, creating difficult choices. Additionally, societal norms within a patriarchal structure can sometimes limit a woman’s ability to independently make timely decisions about her health and finances.
Beyond the very real dangers women face when giving birth in Nigeria, you’ll see another struggle: getting access to the family planning they need. Because of this, not many women are using modern contraception, and so many others desperately want it but can’t get it. This has a knock-on effect, leading to more unplanned pregnancies, young girls having babies before they’re ready, and families getting stuck in poverty for generations. It’s a heartbreaking reality that over a quarter of mothers here felt their last pregnancy was not wanted, showing just how tough it is for women to have control over their own bodies and futures.
The impact extends beyond physical health. The denial of quality healthcare intertwines with the denial of educational opportunities, particularly for girls. In many parts of Nigeria, especially the north, cultural norms and economic pressures conspire to keep girls out of school. Extended years of education are a powerful catalyst for change, empowering girls with health literacy, critical thinking skills, and the agency to make informed decisions about their lives and their bodies. Yet, the stark reality is that fewer girls than boys complete primary and secondary education, with disparities widening in rural areas. Poverty, gender discrimination, religious beliefs, and a lack of consistent government commitment all contribute to this damaging trend.
An uneducated girl is more vulnerable. She is less likely to understand her health rights, less equipped to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and more susceptible to early marriage and unintended pregnancies. The cycle continues, perpetuating the vulnerability created by the failing health system.
Yet, even within this difficult reality, we’re seeing encouraging signs. The Nigerian government has recognised the urgent need for change and has made important commitments, including the previous target of a 27% modern contraceptive prevalence rate by 2024. Critically, there’s a growing understanding of the powerful link between women’s health, family planning, and economic progress. Experts predict that even a modest reduction in fertility could lead to substantial growth in Nigeria’s GDP in the coming years. Think of the potential of ensuring access to modern contraception for all who need it. We could avert millions of unintended pregnancies, prevent a staggering number of unsafe abortions, and most importantly, drastically reduce the tragic toll of maternal and infant deaths every year.
Strengthening collaboration on health insurance and increasing funding for contraceptives is a step forward. Targeted interventions for adolescents are critical. Ongoing efforts to improve girls’ school attendance must be intensified and expanded with a focus on gender parity.
But policy commitments alone are insufficient. A surge of political will is needed, leading to concrete action and sustained investment. Corruption must be tackled, infrastructure improved, and the healthcare workforce supported and incentivised. Empowering women with education and economic opportunities is fundamental for a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
The problems with healthcare in Nigeria go way beyond clinics and doctors, hitting our socio-economic stability. The disproportionate effect on our women and girls, vital to our workforce and communities, is a roadblock to our collective progress. When they can’t reach their full potential, our businesses and our country suffer. We’re already seeing the heavy price in lower productivity, slower growth, and the immeasurable human cost. Looking after the health and well-being of our women and girls has to be a top priority for a successful Nigeria. We need to stop talking and start acting decisively, investing smartly, and working together; it’s critical for the long-term health of our businesses and our nation.
Ota Akhigbe is the Director of Partnerships and Programmes at eHealth Africa. In this role, she is dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems and improving access for communities across the continent.
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