Impact Of Economic Hardship On Nigeria's Health: Challenges And Solutions

Discover how Nigeria’s economic downturn impacts physical and mental health, strains families, and raises healthcare costs. Explore solutions to combat this crisis.

Economic Hardship: A Blow to Physical and Mental Well-being

Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis has severely impacted the physical and mental health of millions. Rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty are fueling a vicious cycle of poor health, making basic necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare unaffordable for many.

How Economic Pressure Impacts Health

The inability to access nutritious food and essential healthcare has led to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and chronic diseases. For instance:

Asthma patients face a 500% surge in inhaler costs.
Chronic illness treatments like diabetes and hypertension cost between ₦100,000–₦500,000 monthly, with transport adding ₦10,000–₦50,000.
Depression treatments can reach ₦100,000 monthly, leaving many untreated due to financial strain.

These expenses often force Nigerians to delay or avoid medical care, opting for risky alternatives like self-medication and traditional remedies.

The Mental Health Crisis

Socioeconomic challenges have worsened mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Experts emphasize the need for systemic mental health support, awareness campaigns, and affordable care. Rising healthcare costs and stigma around mental illnesses further hinder access to treatment, deepening the crisis.

The Burden on Families

Economic strain has disrupted family relationships, with increased household conflicts, domestic violence, and rising suicide attempts. Many Nigerians feel trapped in a cycle of financial struggle, leading to hopelessness and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Multidimensional Poverty and Malnutrition

According to UNICEF, 15% of Nigeria’s GDP is lost annually to malnutrition. In 2023, 29% of children under five were underweight, with 45% of child deaths linked to malnutrition. Women and children are among the most affected, as economic constraints limit access to essential nutrition and healthcare.

Healthcare System Under Siege

The “Japa” syndrome, or brain drain, has depleted Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, leaving hospitals understaffed. This shortage, combined with rising medical costs, makes accessing quality care nearly impossible for many.

Urgent Need for Interventions

Experts call for systemic changes to mitigate the crisis:

Affordable Healthcare: Implement Universal Health Coverage to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Mental Health Awareness: Invest in education and resources to combat stigma and improve care access.
Social Welfare Programs: Strengthen social bonds and community support systems.

Building Resilience

While Nigerians are known for their resilience, the need for sustainable solutions cannot be overstated. Addressing economic hardship’s impact on health requires collective effort, from government policies to community support initiatives.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s economic hardship has created a public health crisis, with rising healthcare costs, malnutrition, and mental health challenges pushing millions further into poverty. Prioritizing affordable healthcare, mental health education, and social welfare programs is essential to break this cycle and improve the nation’s overall well-being.