These are scary reports that must be reversed. No mother should lose her life while bringing forth another life, neither should an infant lose its life on account of dilapidated health-care facilities. At the root of these avoidable deaths in Nigeria is a health-care system that has virtually collapsed due to lack of investment and inadequate funding by the government.
In the forefront of Atiku’s 5 points plans in government as enshrined in his policy document entitled: ‘My Covenant With Nigerians’ is reviving the public health sector to make it a fortress for ailing Nigerians. The former vice president of Nigeria believes that no country can truly have a sustainable development without strong and healthy citizens to drive that process.
In 2018, Nigeria had a ratio of one doctor to 6000 patients, which is a far cry from World Health Organization recommendation of one doctor to 600 patients. The situation must have worsened as a result of the mass exodus of health workers following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. We cannot improve our health system if we allow our doctors to seek greener pastures in other climes.
To provide clean drinking water and ensure healthy living for all Nigerians, Atiku’s plan on health for Nigerians will capture everyone irrespective of their status.