Source:

Africa Review World of Information: Nigeria Country Profile: Health [ID 15341]

"In 2000, Nigeria had a birth and death rate of 39.69 births and 13.91 deaths per 1,000 population respectively. Life expectancy was 51 years and the infant mortality rate stood at 110 deaths per 1,000 live births. The fertility rate was high at 5.6 children born per adult woman while the maternal mortality rate was 1 per cent of live births. Nigeria has a large number of children under the age of five suffering from severe to moderate malnutrition, with an estimated 43 per cent of children suffering stunted growth. Nigeria has a growing problem of HIV/AIDS as well as a significant rise of other non-communicable diseases. The adult HIV rate was 5.8 per cent adults in 2002. In 2001, there were 9,496 deaths from AIDS.

The federal ministry of health (FMOH) provides policy and technical guidance to the 36 states and the federal capital territory (Abuja), co- ordinating state efforts towards the goals set by the national health policy. In 2001, health expenditure stood at 0.7 per cent of GDP, of which public expenditure was equivalent to 0.2 per cent of GDP and private expenditure was 0.5 per cent of GDP. Health expenditure per capita stood at US $ 23 in 2002. Approximately 2 physicians and 17 hospital beds per 10,000 people were available. Persistently low funding of healthcare facilities remains a major constraint for development. The primary healthcare network has seriously declined with low level coverage of services such as immunisation and supply of essential drugs. The Health System Fund is a major project implemented by the state and federal ministries of health aimed at institutional development, training and an essential drug programme. In 2001, Nigeria launched the National HIV/AIDS Emergency Action Plan (HEAP), a set of projects designed to combat the spread of the disease. The projects will be implemented from 2002-04. As part of the initiative the government is distributing free drugs to AIDS sufferers."

Sounrce: Africa Review World of Information: Nigeria Country Profile 26.09.2002"

30.04.2008 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

184 private hospitals were shut down because of lacking hygiene since March 2007 ("Shoddy private health centres closed down") [ID 23068]

Document(s): Open document

10.2007 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Analysis on the implementation of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria: Reduction of child mortality ("Newsletter aus Nigeria (Ausgabe 1)") [ID 22050]

"Von den 8 MDGs ist dieses, neben Ziel 5 (Verbesserung der Gesundheitsversorgung von Müttern), in Nigeria am weitesten von der Realisierung entfernt. Tatsächlich hat sich die Kindersterblichkeitsrate bei Geburt seit 1990 verschlechtert (!) und lag 2005 bei 110 pro 1000 Geburten (das Ziel für 2015 ist mit 30 pro 1000 angesetzt). Auch hier gibt es starke regionale sowie Stadt/Land-Unterschiede. Gründe für die hohen Sterblichkeitsraten sind Krankheiten wie Malaria, Diarrhö, die Übermittlung von HIV von Müttern auf Kinder und unzureichende Impfungen. Zwar gibt es bereits einige Programme zur Verbesserung dieser Situation, wie das Integrated Management of Child Illnesses (IMCI), die National Policy on Integrated Disease Surveillance & Response (IDSR) oder auch das Nationale Programm zur Immunisierung, dennoch steht die Regierung in diesem Bereich immer noch vor immensen Aufgaben. Dazu gehören die Etablierung eines funktionierenden Gesundheitssystems sowie eine erhöhte Förderung der Immunisierung."

Document(s): Open document

10.2007 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Analysis on the implementation of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria: Improvement of health care for mothers ("Newsletter aus Nigeria (Ausgabe 1)") [ID 22051]

"Ähnlich schlecht wie die Kindersterblichkeitsrate entwickelt sich die Gesundheitsversorgung von Müttern. Für dieses Ziel gibt es zwei Indikatoren: die Müttersterblichkeit (Ziel: <75) und der Anteil der Geburten, bei denen ausgebildetes Personal anwesend ist (Ziel: >60). Seit 1990 hat sich die Situation in Nigeria verschlechtert: Die Müttersterblichkeit lag 2005 bei 800 von 100.000 Geburten und bei lediglich 44% der Geburten war ausgebildetes Personal anwesend. Auch hier sind starke Nord/Süd und Stadt/Land-Unterschiede vorhanden. Das Problem ist verbunden mit der hohen Armut, der geringen Bildung und dem Mangel an ausreichenden Gesundheitseinrichtungen. Von Seiten der Regierung gibt es zwar ein Health Sector Reform Program (HRSP) zur Stärkung des nationalen Gesundheitswesens und ein National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), doch es wird noch zu wenig für die Fortpflanzungsmedizin getan. Die National Planning Commission (NPC) plädiert aus diesen Gründen für die Etablierung eines Maternity Care Monitoring Committee, das u.a. die Schwangerschaftsfürsorge fördern soll. Das Ziel bis 2015 zu erreichen, scheint, ähnlich wie bei Ziel 4, unrealistisch."

Document(s): Open document

10.2007 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Analysis on the implementation of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria: Countering HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other severe illnesses ("Newsletter aus Nigeria (Ausgabe 1)") [ID 22052]

"Zunächst ist positiv zu vermerken, dass die HIV-Prävalenzrate auf 4,4% (2005) gesunken ist. Dennoch verbreitet sich die Nutzung von Kondomen unter den jungen Leuten im Alter von 15-24 nur sehr langsam, obwohl laut einer Analyse der NPC das Bewusstsein für HIV/Aids vorhanden ist: 2005 gaben 29% der Frauen und 49% der Männer an, Kondome zu benutzen. Problematisch ist zudem die wachsende Zahl der AIDS-Waisen. Auch Malaria ist weiterhin ein akutes Problem in Nigeria: Malaria ist für die Mehrzahl aller ambulanten Behandlungen (60%) und für 30% aller Krankenhausaufnahmen verantwortlich. Auch ein hoher Anteil der Kinder- und Müttersterblichkeit ist darauf zurückzuführen (Verbindung zu MDG 4 und 5). Weltweit steht Nigeria an vierter Stelle der highburden Länder für Tuberkulose (TB), in Afrika führt es diese Liste sogar an. Vom Ziel, die Erkennungsrate von Tuberkulose auf 70% zu steigern, ist Nigeria weit entfernt (2005: 27%). Die Behandlungserfolgsrate liegt mit 80% allerdings schon nah an den für 2015 angestrebten 85%.

In Bezug auf HIV/Aids hat Nigeria ein National Action Committee on Aids (NACA) gegründet und war 2002 das erste Land der Subsahara, das eine ARV-Therapie (antiretrovirale Medikamente) für 10.000 Erwachsene und 5.000 Kinder auf eigene Kosten bereitgestellt hat. Diese Bemühungen müssen allerdings weiter intensiviert werden, vor allem in den Gemeinden, da die Prävalenzrate in den ländlichen Gebieten zugenommen hat. Das bedeutet, dass vorhandene Programme auf die Ebenen von Landesregierungen (State Governments) und Kommunalverwaltungen (Local Governments) übertragen werden müssen. Im Kampf gegen Malaria wurde 2005 ein Ministerial Anti-Malaria Policy Transition Management Committee gegründet und die nationale Strategie für Malaria erneuert. In Bezug auf Tuberkulose wurde zwar die Ausweitung der Leistungen verbessert, doch sind neue Initiativen erforderlich, insbesondere mit Blick auf die Einbindung der Gemeinden, die nur wenig über TB informiert sind."

Document(s): Open document

11.07.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Low immunisation rates in Nigeria: In June more than 50 children died while 400 were hospitalised in Borno state following measles outbreak ("Children dying needlessly from measles and other preventable diseases") [ID 21139]

Document(s): Open document

11.07.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Low immunisation rates in Nigeria: In June more than 50 children died while 400 were hospitalised in Borno state following a measles outbreak ("Children dying needlessly from measles and other preventable diseases") [ID 22105]

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

The Federal Ministry of Health is responsible for coordinating all health activities throughout the Federation; the quality of health service varies greatly from region to region ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20823]

"The principal arm of Government in Health Care delivery is the Federal Ministry of Health. The ministry is charged with the responsibility for coordinating all health activities throughout the Federation. Medical and health services are also the responsibility of the state governments, which maintain hospitals in the large cities and towns. Most of the state capitals have public and private hospitals, specialized hospitals, and each city also has a university teaching hospital financed by the federal Ministry of Health. The distribution and quality of health services varies greatly throughout Nigeria."

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

3 tiers of the healthcare system in the country ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20824]

"1. The Tertiary Health Institution system which is primarily a federal government responsibility. It includes Teaching and Specialist hospitals, with at least one in each of the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

2. The second is the Secondary Health Institution system which is a state responsibility with hospitals situated in the seven hundred and seventy four (774) Local Government Areas (L.G.As).

3. The third tier is the Primary Health Institution system which is a Local government responsibility and includes health posts, clinics and centres that are manned by community health workers. There are also few private hospitals with limited but highly specialized services and other secondary healthcare providers."

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

Public hospitals versus private hospitals ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20825]

"Public (Government/State owned) Hospitals: This consists of General Hospitals, University teaching & Specialist Hospitals. Charges are moderate but some of them lack equipment and adequate amenities. There are often delays and patients may not be attended to promptly due to the large number of patients.
Private Hospitals: These are standard hospitals. While some have adequate hospital equipment, others don’t and have to refer patients to bigger hospitals for lab tests, X-rays. They are generally more expensive."

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

Precondition for obtaining hospital services ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20826]

"Generally, a deposit has to be made before treatment is carried out and payment has to be completed when treatment is complete. Some organizations (both public and private) have retainer ships with health care providers to cater for the provision of services for their workforce. If a returnee has a medical history, it is advisable to obtain a referral letter from hospital where he/she was undergoing treatment. If no previous medical condition, returnee only needs to pay registration fee to the hospital and be able to cover own medical costs."

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

Availability and costs of medicine ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20827]

"Drugs are available but may be expensive depending on type. There are lots of pharmacies spread across the various parts of Nigeria. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have done a lot of work to ensure that these pharmacies are regulated and sell genuine medicine to the Nigerian public."

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

Health insurance: preconditions and costs ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20828]

"National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) was activated on the March 22, 2002. The Scheme is supposed to guarantee easy access to health care for all. Under the present government the official takeoff of the scheme was announced in July 2005, starting with the formal sector. This means that the private sector has yet to join in the scheme. Participation in the programme involves a contributor registering with NHIS approved Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO) which are limited liability companies which may be formed by private or public establishments registered by the Scheme to facilitate the provision of health care benefits to the contributors. Thereafter, the contributors are to register with a primary health care provider of his choice (private or public) from an NHIS approved list of providers supplied by his HMO. Upon registration, a contributor will be issued an identity card (ID) with a personal identification number. Treatment is to be provided upon presentation of ID card by the contributor. A contributor is at liberty to change his or her primary care provider if he or she is not satisfied with services rendered after six months while the HMO will make payment for service rendered to the health care provider."

Document(s): Open document

07.2007 - Source: International Organization for Migration

Rate of Contribution to the Health Insurance Scheme ("Country of Origin Information: Nigeria") [ID 20829]

"Under the NHIS scheme, individuals are required to deduct from their basic salary 15 percent of their salary, which will be set aside to cover their health needs. Of the total contribution of 15 percent, however, the employer is expected to contribute 10 percent and the employee five percent. NHIS pays N550 per person to Health Management Organizations (HMOs) in the scheme. This is usually paid to HMO’s three months in advance that in turn pay this to health service providers one month in advance.

Required personal documentation
In the case of an individual, personal details and passport picture of yourself and that of your spouse and children. Upon registration, a contributor will be issued an identity card (ID) with a personal identification number. Treatment is to be provided upon presentation of ID card by the contributor."

Document(s): Open document

01.03.2007 - Source: UK Home Office

Information on health care system (allocation of responsibilities at different government levels, infrastructure and financing) ("Country of Origin Information Report; Nigeria") [ID 20254]

"The ‘Nigeria – Access to Health Care for People Living with HIV and AIDS’ report, published in 2006 by the Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), states: “Responsibility for health care in Nigeria is split between the different levels of government. The Federal government is responsible for establishing policy objectives, training health professionals, coordinating activities, and for the building and operation of Federal medical centers and teaching hospitals. The States are responsible for the secondary health facilities and for providing funding to the Local Government Areas (LGAs), which are responsible for primary health care centers. In addition to government-run public facilities, there are also private health facilities, most of which are secondary level facilities. Many Nigerians do not go to government facilities first but rather seek health care from traditional healers, patent medicine stores, lay consultants and private medical practices and facilities owned by faith-based organizations.” [11] (p12)

“The health care system in Nigeria is inadequately funded and understaffed, and suffers from material scarcity and inadequacy of infrastructure which may contribute to overall discriminatory behaviour. The blood transfusion system is inadequate and access to quality health care is limited. There are regional disparities in education, health status, poverty level, and other aspects of human development.” [11] (p12)

“…health care in Nigeria is largely financed by user fees. Field studies by the World Bank estimate that Nigerian households pay roughly 45% of total health expenditures in the country. The Federal Government subsidizes staff salaries in federal facilities, which usually account for more than 65% of recurrent expenditure in the health service. In non-federal facilities, staff salaries are paid through the funds allocated by the Federal Government to the LGAs. However, since LGAs receive ‘block allocations’ or one pool of money from which to finance all of their projects, this funding is often insufficient for covering salaries or purchasing prescription drugs. As a result, the cost of medication, tests, hospital beds and facilities used by patients during their visits is expected to be borne by them.” [11] (p13)"

Document(s): Open document

01.03.2007 - Source: UK Home Office

Information on equipment of the National Hospital in Abuja and the Lagos University Hospital ("Country of Origin Information Report; Nigeria") [ID 20255]

"The US Embassy in Nigeria produced information, in August 2004, about Nigerian hospital services. The US Embassy notes that public sector hospitals generally have poor medical facilities, as compared with similar facilities available in American hospitals, but also notes that some private sector hospitals have medical facilities which are of the same standard as those available in American hospitals. The National Hospital in Abuja has facilities for ENT, general and internal medicine, general surgery, paediatric surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology. Ancillary services include a seven-bed paediatric intensive care unit (ICU), operating room, computerised tomography (CT), a laboratory, ultrasound, x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. The Lagos University Hospital, also government-run, has facilities for general and internal medicine, cardiology, physiotherapy, nuclear medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology and plastic surgery. Ancillary services include an emergency room, a four-bed ICU, a burns unit, CT scanner, a laboratory and x-ray imaging. The Cardiac Centre in Lagos has facilities for non-invasive diagnostic cardiac testing, ten beds with ICU capability, two ICU ward beds and an emergency room. [30]"

Document(s): Open document

01.03.2007 - Source: UK Home Office

There is no no government-run health service that provides medical care to everyone who needs it ("Country of Origin Information Report; Nigeria") [ID 20256]

"Information dated January 2006, obtained from a doctor by the British High Commission in Abuja, indicates that there is no government-run national health service that provides a good standard of medical care to everyone who needs it in Nigeria. As regards the availability of drugs, people who can afford private medical care can obtain virtually all the drugs they require. The majority of people, however, cannot afford private medical care. [2c]"

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2007 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Health care system in country, especially in Lagos ("a-5294 (ACC-NGA-5294)") [ID 18659]

Document(s): Open document

18.12.2006 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Public health care system is deficient; the badly working health insurance system is to be renewed in 2007 ("Nigeria; Update") [ID 20238]

"Medizinische Versorgung. Es gibt zahlreiche Informationen zur medizinischen Versorgung in Nigeria, die auf primärer, sekundärer und tertiärer Ebene nicht mit europäischen Standards vergleichbar ist. Zugang, Qualität, Quantität, Stabilität und Kosten der medizinischen Versorgung variieren in Nigeria innerhalb von Städten, zwischen Stadt und Land sowie zwischen privatem und öffentlichem Sektor. Das öffentliche Gesundheitssystem Nigerias ist in einem schlechten Zustand. Offizielle Daten weisen darauf hin, dass sich das öffentliche Gesundheitswesen in den letzten Jahren verschlechtert hat. Das 2003 eingeführte allgemeine Krankenversicherungssystem funktioniert schlecht.42 Kranke, Arme und Alte sind auf Familienhilfe angewiesen. Nur Regierungsbedienstete kommen in den Genuss öffentlicher Fürsorge.43 Ab 2007 soll ein neues Krankenversicherungssystem ärmeren Schichten Zugang zu den grundlegenden medizinischen Diensten ermöglichen.44"

Document(s): Open document

18.12.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Information on a project aiming to provide basic health care for people working in the informal sector ("New insurance scheme for poor") [ID 20260]

"Thousands of low-income Nigerians will get access to inexpensive, basic healthcare as the new year begins under an ambitious five-year donor scheme aimed at improving health facilities in Nigeria. The US $131 million Insurance Health Fund (IHF) was launched by the Dutch Ministry of Development Cooperation earlier this year and aims to provide collective health insurance to thousands of Africans working in the informal sector, such as farmers, market women and students. Nigeria is the first African country where people can enroll, with basic health insurance offered to a group of female car mechanics in the commercial capital Lagos and a community of farmers in Kwara State. Medical check-ups have already begun for the farmers, said Jan van Esch of Pharmaccess, the Dutch foundation overseeing the implementation of the scheme. Most of the funding – US $33 million for five years – goes to the private insurer Hygeia, one of the largest commercial healthcare groups in Nigeria. Hygeia already provides health insurance to employees of large companies and multinationals such as Shell, and has contracts with a network of nearly 200 private and public hospitals. Foreign aid for healthcare in Africa traditionally goes to government health ministries and hospitals, but economists argue that national healthcare systems won't improve unless the private sector, which is seen as more efficient, gets involved."

Document(s): Open document

13.11.2006 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Quality of health care depends in the first place on the patients' financial means ("Nigeria: Fragen zur Behandlung eines angeborenen Klumpfusses") [ID 20240]

"In Nigeria hängt die Qualität der medizinischen Versorgung primär von den finanziellen Möglichkeiten der PatientInnen ab. In privaten Hospitälern und Kliniken ist das Angebot durchaus mit amerikanischen Standards vergleichbar."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Basic health care still not available in all rural areas ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18810]

"A third world country like Nigeria has great challenges in the health sector. Basic health care is still not generally available in all rural areas, and infectious diseases like HIV/Aids and tuberculosis are affecting large numbers of people. Professor Abengowe stated that infant mortality rates and life expectancy rates are improving, but as a result, people fall sick with other diseases instead of infections – chronic, non-communicable conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions are on the increase. As the health care so far has had a focus on infectious disease, the changing situation presents a challenge in training medical personnel to deal with these changes.

Dr Ambrose Awogu (Abuja Clinics) stated that a health insurance scheme is being implemented which eventually will benefit many people. However, there is still a long way ahead, and the coverage of the scheme is limited. For the elite living in politically important cities (i.e. the federal capital Abuja, state capitals and cities with university hospitals), the health care situation has improved over the last years. Here they can find university hospitals and private clinics of such a standard that fewer wealthy people choose to go abroad for treatment than before. Dr. Michael Aghahowa, Senior Consultant Surgeon and Chairman at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja, informed us that all 774 local government areas of Nigeria has a general hospital, but that the standard may vary. Most states have one so-called second level general hospital of some 5-600 beds, serving the whole state (the federal district of Abuja has several smaller ones instead of one large)."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Brain drain considerable problem within health sector ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18820]

"Brain drain is a considerable problem in the health sector in African countries in general, and Nigeria is no exception.27 Professor Abengowe stated that a lack of facilities and resources available in the local health sector (which creates inadequate working conditions and few possibilities to keep up to date) as well as low salaries are important causes for this problem.28 English-speaking countries and the Arab Gulf countries are the main destinations for Nigerian health professionals who choose to emigrate."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

It is not common that patients have to bribe public health sector staff to receive free treatment ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18821]

"Corruption is a general problem in the public sector in Nigeria, but according to professor Abengowe, patients having to bribe public health sector staff in order to receive free or subsidised treatment is not a common phenomenon. None of our other sources contradicted this view."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Fake drugs remain widespread ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18823]

"The problem of fake drugs is widespread in West Africa, but according to professor Abengowe, there are less fake drugs around in Nigeria than what was the case a few years back. Press reports quoting officials from the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) support this.29"

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

In rural areas basic health care is not generally available; infectious diseases like HIV/Aids and tuberculosis affect many people, but infant mortality rates are improving ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 20241]

"A third world country like Nigeria has great challenges in the health sector. Basic health care is still not generally available in all rural areas, and infectious diseases like HIV/Aids and tuberculosis are affecting large numbers of people. Professor Abengowe stated that infant mortality rates and life expectancy rates are improving."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Chronic, non-communicable conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions are on the increase ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 20242]

"[P]eople fall sick with other diseases instead of infections – chronic, non-communicable conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions are on the increase. As the health care so far has had a focus on infectious disease, the changing situation presents a challenge in training medical personnel to deal with these changes."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Most states have a general hospital of some 5-600 beds, serving the whole state ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 20243]

"Dr Ambrose Awogu (Abuja Clinics) stated that a health insurance scheme is being implemented which eventually will benefit many people. However, there is still a long way ahead, and the coverage of the scheme is limited. For the elite living in politically important cities (i.e. the federal capital Abuja, state capitals and cities with university hospitals), the health care situation has improved over the last years. Here they can find university hospitals and private clinics of such a standard that fewer wealthy people choose to go abroad for treatment than before. Dr. Michael Aghahowa, Senior Consultant Surgeon and Chairman at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja, informed us that all 774 local government areas of Nigeria has a general hospital, but that the standard may vary. Most states have one so-called second level general hospital of some 5-600 beds, serving the whole state (the federal district of Abuja has several smaller ones instead of one large)."

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2006 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Status of the public health system ("Nigeria: Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für Personen mit HIV/ AIDS; Gutachten der SFH-Länderanalyse") [ID 15776]

"Das öffentliche Gesundheitssystem Nigerias ist gemäss aktuellen Angaben der Economist Intelligence Unit in einem schlechten Zustand. Offizielle Daten weisen darauf hin, dass sich das öffentliche Gesundheitswesen in den letzten Jahren aufgrund von Misswirtschaft und finanziellen Engpässen verschlechtert hat."

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2006 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Offer of medical services ("Nigeria: Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für Personen mit HIV/ AIDS; Gutachten der SFH-Länderanalyse") [ID 15777]

"Das Angebot medizinischer Dienstleistungen durch private und gemeinnützige (NGO) Institutionen / Organisationen ist qualitativ besser, in Einzelfällen sogar mit amerikanischen Standards vergleichbar. Wie in anderen afrikanischen Staaten auch, lässt sich die "Elite" bei vorhandenen Ressourcen im Ausland behandeln, die Mittelklasse nutzt private Kliniken und Hospitäler, einkommensschwächere oder arme Schichten sind auf das öffentliche Gesundheitswesen angewiesen."

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2006 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Information on differences between classes in their access to health care ("Nigeria: Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für Personen mit HIV/ AIDS; Gutachten der SFH-Länderanalyse") [ID 20239]

"Das Angebot medizinischer Dienstleistungen durch private und gemeinnützige NGO) Institutionen / Organisationen ist qualitativ besser, in Einzelfällen sogar mit amerikanischen Standards vergleichbar. Wie in anderen afrikanischen Staaten auch, lässt sich die "Elite" bei vorhandenen Ressourcen im Ausland behandeln, die Mittelklasse nutzt private Kliniken und Hospitäler, einkommensschwächere oder arme Schichten sind auf das öffentliche Gesundheitswesen angewiesen."

Document(s): Open document

04.2006 - Source: UK Home Office

In 2003 a national health insurance scheme was launched to raise money and improve the health care system ("Country of Origin Information Report; Nigeria") [ID 20257]

"The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2006 Country Profile on Nigeria states that:

“Provision of healthcare in Nigeria is poor, and official data indicate that standards have declined in recent years. Limited resources available are being channelled into personnel rather than buildings and equipment. Health spending averaged 4.5% of federal government recurrent expenditure in 2001-04. In order to raise money to fund additional spending, a long-awaited national health insurance scheme was launched in 2003. Under the scheme, for a modest financial contribution, a worker plus spouse and four children can qualify for free health services, excluding treatment for chronic diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Contributions are voluntary for most workers but compulsory for public sector employees who will pay 5% of their basic salary into the scheme, with the government paying 10%. Those not in formal employment can also join the scheme by forming socially cohesive groups of more than 500 members, with each member paying an agreed flat rate.” [10a] (p18)

“Meanwhile, most indicators of health provision remain poor. Life expectancy is low and, according to CBN [Central Bank of Nigeria] estimates, there was only one hospital bed per 2,925 people in 2004. The person/doctor ratio was extremely high at 19,745:1, as was the person/nurse ratio at 2,872:1.” [10a] (p18)"

Document(s): Open document

09.2005 - Source: US Social Security Administration

No statutory cash benefits for sickness and maternity are provided ("Social Security Programs Throughout the World") [#36871],  [ID 20258]

"No statutory cash benefits for sickness and maternity are provided. (The 2004 Pension Reform Act provides enabling legislation for the National Social Insurance Trust Fund to introduce a social insurance program for sickness and maternity benefits.) The 1999 National Health Insurance Decree provides medical benefits to insured employees of firms with 10 or more workers. The benefits are financed by contributions of 5% of basic monthly salary from insured persons and 10% of basic monthly salary from employers. The labor code requires employers to give employees 12 days of paid sick leave a year and to provide paid maternity leave at 50% of wages for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Nigerian health care system lacks equipment and drugs ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20249]

"It has been widely reported that health services in Nigeria are of low quality, and many lack basic equipment and drugs. Few in Nigeria (63% in urban areas and 48% in rural areas according to the World Bank) have access to primary health care. As with other sectors, the Nigerian Health Service is subject to a major reform programme."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Information on Health Sector Reform Programme ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20250]

"Obasanjo stated the Nigerian Government’s commitment to the Health Sector Reform Programme in his 2004 Budget speech to the National Assembly on 18 December 2003. The budget included a doubling of capital allocation and a 28% increase on recurrent costs, to support improved delivery of health services with particular emphasis on HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and control, and improved health delivery infrastructure."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Information on the National Economic Empowerment and Development (NEEDS) programme regarding the health sector ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20251]

"In May 2004 Obasanjo launched the NEEDS as Nigeria’s “home-grown poverty reduction strategy”. NEEDS provides for implementation of a social charter to improve access to, amongst other things, healthcare. In this connection the NEEDS sets out in detail the components of the health sector reforms. These reforms give particular emphasis on the strengthening of preventive and curative primary healthcare services and are aimed at strengthening the national health system, and enhancing the delivery of effective and affordable health services to all Nigerians."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Hospitals either stock, or can readily obtain, drugs on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20252]

"Dr. Abengoae’s experience is that all hospitals either stock, or can readily obtain, all drugs on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines. Some pharmacies do not store the drugs in the proper conditions. The better quality, more reputable pharmacies do however have proper storage facilities."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Information on access to quality health care according to social class and residence ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20253]

"According to Dr. Abengoae Nigerians who are employed by large businesses, banks etc. have access, as part of the terms and conditions of employment, to very good quality private clinics and hospitals. Nigerian government employees also have similar access to private clinics but these are a lesser, albeit still good, standard. However the majority of Nigerians (80%) live in villages, are surviving on poverty levels and have to rely on inadequately funded government hospitals. These hospitals generally have good quality doctors and nurses but there are staff shortages particularly in the area of medical specialists. The hygiene standard is not good in some hospitals and there are serious problems of secondary infections in many of them. As a consequence many ordinary Nigerians turn to traditional medicine – although this can cure some ailments it is very unsophisticated and in many instances its side effects lead to conditions being compounded. The introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which is due to become operational in 2005, is seen as a major step in improving access to medical treatment, improving funding for health care and raising standards."

Document(s): Open document

02.2004 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

According to the Nigerian Red Cross public health services only covers approximately 30 % of the health services needed ("Report from a fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos) 23-28 February 2004") [ID 20244]

"The Nigerian health service is not functioning very well, according to the Nigerian Red Cross. They estimated that public health services only covers approximately 30 % of the need for health services in the country. In their opin-ion, the local state-run clinics have been working espe-cially badly the last 10-15 years. They also considered it a problem that doctors employed in state-run specialist hos-pitals often refer patients to their own private practices, instead of treating them within the public health system. There is also a problem of technical equipment being moved from public clinics and hospitals and turning up in private hospitals."

Document(s): Open document

02.2004 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Due to the bad situation in public health service those who can afford it use private hospitals or even go abroad for treatment ("Report from a fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos) 23-28 February 2004") [ID 20245]

"The difficult situation in the public health service has re-sulted in the elite going abroad for treatment when able to do so – especially surgery (that is, when suffering from conditions not in need of immediate treatment), the mid-dle class mainly use private clinics and hospitals, whereas those who cannot afford private treatment can only resort to the substandard services of the public health system. Many public clinics lack trained doctors, and the result is that nurses assume responsibilities they are not trained for. However, the Nigerian Red Cross pointed out that having access to health services on this level was better for the urban and rural poor than no access to health ser-vices at all."

Document(s): Open document

02.2004 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

There is a large difference between health care available in cities and in the countryside ("Report from a fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos) 23-28 February 2004") [ID 20246]

"The Nigerian Red Cross also pointed to a large difference in the health services available in the cities and in the countryside. According to their estimate, only some 20 % of the rural population have access to public health ser-vices. They added that private health services are almost exclusively available in the cities."

Document(s): Open document

02.2004 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals are widespread; routines for screening donated blood are inadequate ("Report from a fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos) 23-28 February 2004") [ID 20247]

"Another problem is the considerable spread of expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals on the Nigerian market. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, October 2004 16 In addition to this, the Nigerian Red Cross also mentioned a lack of properly qualified pharmacists, and a subsequent lack of professional control with access to medication. As a result, misuse of medication is widespread, and narcotic substances are widely available without prescription. The routines for screening donated blood are also inadequate."

Document(s): Open document

02.2004 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Traditional healers are popular ("Report from a fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos) 23-28 February 2004") [ID 20248]

"There is also widespread use of traditional healers, some-thing the Nigerian Red Cross partially explained with the lack of faith in the services provided in the health sector in general (public and private)."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Nigeria has a basic health service scheme weakened by a lack of Funds ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15338]

"5.44 There is a Basic Health Service Scheme in Nigeria that aims to provide primary health care for the whole population. However, the quality and provision of care is still dependent on the ability of the patient to pay. There have recently been moves to introduce a National Insurance scheme, but details of this are still being worked out. There is also provision for basic psychiatric care, but it appears to be confined to the major towns. The United Kingdom's Department of International Development (DFID) has assisted the Nigerian authorities in identifying ways of organising access to health care, and in 2001 helped produced a seven year programme to address this.

5.48 Lack of funds and staff has lead to disruption in the Nigerian health system. One of the complaints of Doctors in their four-month strike in late 2000, was the decline in the health service, as well as in their pay and conditions. The erosion of the health service has been attributed to its neglect by the military government. This decline in the health service, has led to many Doctors leaving the country for posts overseas, which in turn has led to problems relating to level of experience, retention of staff and training in the profession. There was further industrial action in May and June 2001, because of a perceived failure by the government to address the issues raised in the earlier strike."

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2002 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

General health situation in Nigeria ("Nigeria - Länderbericht") [#8685],  [ID 15340]

"Die staatliche Gesundheitsversorgung obliegt den Lokalverwaltungen unter Koordination der
Gesundheitsminister auf Bundesebene und auf Ebene der Bundesstaaten. Aufgrund der Vielzahl
an politischen und wirtschaftlichen Missständen befand sich das öffentliche Gesundheitssystem
am Rande des Zusammenbruchs. Die Zivilregierung unter Obasanjo hat eine Reihe von Schritten
unternommen, um die staatliche Gesundheitsversorgung zu verbessern, der andauernde Mangel
an Mitteln, technischem Wissen und die Verschlechterung der Einrichtungen würden allerdings
größere finanzielle Mittel als sie derzeit zur Verfügung stehen, erfordern.
Laut einer Studie der Weltbank hat etwa die Hälfte der NigerianerInnen keinen Zugang zu primärer
Gesundheitsversorgung. Eine nationale Erhebung hat ergeben, dass 81% der Haushalte in
weniger als zehn Kilometern Entfernung zu einer Gesundheitsstation leben, 45% in der Nähe eines
Krankenhauses und 68% in der Nähe einer Klinik"

Document(s): Open document

1998 - Source: Center for Reproductive Rights

Report on women's reproductive rights in Nigeria ("Women's Reproductive Rights in Nigeria") [#15783],  [ID 15346]

Document(s): Open document