Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: Current Challenges and Recommendations
Al-Mansur Sumayya Auwal *
National Open University, Nigeria.
Lawal Abdulwahab Oluwatomisin
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria and MCON Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria.
Tijani Yusuf Olatunji
College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Adeniji Abdur-Rahman Adekunle
United States International University, Kenya.
Ogunleke Praise Oluwatobi
Ladoke Akinola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Health is a fundamental human right upon which all other rights are built. Easy access to needed and affordable healthcare service is essential towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The achievement of UHC in middle and low-income countries of Africa such as Nigeria has however continued to pose a mirage, hence the need for a thorough re-evaluation and provision of sustainable solutions.
This article aims at highlighting the current efforts in achieving UHC in Nigeria and the challenges facing its achievement, while proffering recommendations towards solving these challenges.
The Nigerian Government has made considerable efforts in promoting UHC; however a lot still needs to be done. Adequate healthcare financing has been found to be essential towards achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria; hence it is imperative that the Nigerian government and allied agencies continually create effective, achievable and sustainable policies and actions towards financing the healthcare sector, especially at the level of primary healthcare.
Keywords: Universal health coverage, healthcare financing, healthcare Insurance, UHC