Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mojeed Alabi
Published on 2024-03-06 05:00:14
The Nigeria Nuclear Radiation Authority (NNRA) has revealed a troubling statistic – there are only eight certified radiotherapy centers available for the country’s estimated 220 million population. This is a stark contrast to countries like South Africa, with a population of less than 60 million, which has 92 linear accelerator machines for cancer treatment, and Egypt, which boasts 76 such machines. These numbers highlight the severe lack of cancer treatment facilities in Nigeria.
According to the National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022), cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths in Nigeria annually, with 102,000 new cases reported each year. To address this alarming situation, the government has announced plans to establish six cancer centers across the country’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative, along with the efforts of individuals like veteran broadcaster Bimbo Oloyede who launched a campaign to raise N100 million in support of cancer care, shows a commitment to tackling the cancer burden in Nigeria.
While the focus remains on cancer, Nigeria continues to combat other health challenges, such as Lassa Fever and Meningitis. Lassa Fever has claimed 84 lives out of 476 confirmed cases, with additional casualties reported at the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna. The government has announced plans to tackle the spread of the disease through a deratisation project aimed at reducing the population of rats that transmit the virus. Additionally, Gombe State in North-east Nigeria has reported an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, prompting investigations and response measures to contain the disease.
Despite efforts to address these health challenges, Nigeria still grapples with malaria, bearing 30% of the global burden. The country’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare highlighted the need for continued efforts to eliminate malaria, especially in light of Cameroon’s launch of a routine vaccine program against the disease. The government is working with various health agencies and organizations to mobilize resources and intensify efforts towards malaria elimination.
In response to the brain drain of healthcare workers leaving the country, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria introduced revised guidelines for certificate verification for nurses and midwives seeking opportunities abroad. However, this move has been met with opposition from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, calling for a reversal of the policy. To address the healthcare worker shortage, the government has undertaken massive recruitment efforts to bolster the workforce.
President Bola Tinubu’s appointment as the champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership by the African Union signals a commitment to improving healthcare services in Nigeria. Partnerships with organizations like Afreximbank and King’s College Hospital, London, aim to establish a Medical Centre of Excellence in Africa by 2025. Efforts to revamp the health sector include the appointment of chief executive officers for key health agencies and the approval of applications for the construction of drug manufacturing facilities across the country.
As Nigeria navigates its healthcare challenges, support for journalism that highlights these issues remains crucial. Continued access to quality investigative journalism is essential for fostering accountability and transparency in governance. By supporting platforms like PREMIUM TIMES, readers can contribute to the sustainability of independent journalism and ensure its availability to all. Your contribution can help uphold the integrity and credibility of journalism that plays a vital role in shaping a better society.
In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in Nigeria reflects a mix of challenges and initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of its population. From cancer treatment to infectious diseases and healthcare worker shortages, various stakeholders are working towards addressing these issues. With continued support for efforts to enhance healthcare services and journalism that sheds light on these issues, Nigeria can make strides towards a healthier future for all its citizens.
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