Lifestyle

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, commemorates the 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration worldwide.

On this very special day, several celebrations of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities will take place in different parts of the world, making it a worldwide event. 

However, for others, it is a historic occasion. This may be the first time they celebrate the day; this could be because they have recently joined the community of people with disabilities due to illness, accident, or other reasons.

 Many thanks to former Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari and the individuals involved in the tireless and backbreaking efforts to pass and implement the Disability Bill into Law 2018, which has never been in Nigeria’s history since its independence.

I want to remind us that DISABILITY is not a curse or disease. It is a condition that can be rehabilitated depending on the type of disability one is struggling with. There is always ability in disability. We should not be discouraged!

Thanks to those who, in some way, took time to celebrate with us and the good people of Nigeria and Africa in general for witnessing this special day with us. 

The world stands still for us to salute our courage and fortitude to triumph over challenges we overcame and the ones coming our way. The world celebrates our abilities despite our disabilities.

We live in a world where change has become a constant basis of our individual and collective societies. In this advanced technological modern period, technological wonders appear at regular intervals, and our lives as members of particular societies regarding persons with disabilities are clearly different from those of those without disabilities. This requires inclusion to reshape our community. 

Ending discrimination, injustice, and humiliation against people with disabilities is essential. We should embrace diversity in all its forms. Tolerance and accepting our differences are important; we must be recognized as humans. Let us unite to improve our society, Nigeria. Some scholars say that everyone is disabled in one way or another, and I agree. 

Happy International Day of Persons with Disability, everyone. 

Ibrahim Abdullahi can be contacted via ibrahimbsw23@gmail.com.

By Abdulaziz Bagwai

Between 2012 and 2018, I was a student in the Exchange Student Program at Sani Dingyadi Unity Boys College in Sokoto State. Whenever school resumed, our most cherished moments as junior students were the day school closed, and we left Sokoto for our various states. Our parents would send us food and local transport funds from our state’s education ministry to our hometowns.

As students from Kano, our first junction was always in Gusau, Zamfara State, to eat and pray. That Gusau junction, Lala, was our dream hub. It’s a place that every one of us would anticipate being. The first time I was at Lala, I couldn’t decide what to eat. The myriad delicacies, including those I’d never tasted, were there, and I had the pocket money to afford them—but I ended up eating half-spoilt rice and beans with stew.

A new experience but a different reality

In December 2012, after our first term, while traveling back home, my friends, whom we were seated together in the car, learned from the older students among us that drinking the combo of malt and milk increases blood volume. Seeing them all with tins of malt and peak milk was awkward, and because I was too uninformed as a junior secondary school student to think whether it was true or not, I admittedly found myself craving for the combo. Since then, it has become the norm for my friends and colleagues to buy the combo whenever we pass Lala to or from school, but I have never bought it once.

This article triggered an encounter with a client who brought his sick daughter to a chemist I work for earlier this month. My co-worker examined the patient and decided to send them for two blood tests: malaria’s rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and a pack-cell volume (PCV) because she was both feverish and hungry. Both results confirmed my co-worker’s professional inquiry: RDT reactive, PCV slightly low. When he enquired about my suggestion on the patient’s treatment plan, I told him to necessarily include medicines that would boost the patient’s low, slight blood count.

Upon hearing my suggestion, the man disagreed that no medicine should further be given to his daughter except for malaria. His reason was that this same daughter was anemic sometime in the past, and he denied buying any medicine she was prescribed in the hospital; he purchased for her a few tins of malt and milk, and in a few days, she recuperated. 

While it’s my duty as a community health extension worker to educate community members about helpful and harmful health practices, misinformation, misconceptions, and baseless hearsay, I’ve done my part for my client, who seemed unconvinced.

What a nutritionist had to say about the combo

A July 19, 2021, Punch Newspaper article by Angela Onwuzoo titled “Drinking milk, malt combo won’t boost blood volume” featured Beatrice Ogunba, a professor of public health nutrition at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. I quote the professor saying, “Consuming milk and malt could deliver nutrients to the body because they are fortified with iron, calcium, and vitamins. 

Some malts are also fortified with vitamins, so consuming all these will deliver nutrients to the body, but mixing milk and malt with the notion that it will increase blood volume is unrealistic. There is no scientific evidence for that. I have heard about the mixture, and women primarily consume it. But in terms of delivering iron, I am sure of that because milk has iron.”

However, she urged Nigerians to diversify their foods to get all the nutrients they need to be healthy. She also noted that people vulnerable to anemia should consume iron-rich foods like vegetables and liver.

Hypovolemic or anaemic?

Hypovolemia is a state of abnormally low extracellular fluid (ECF) in the body. It may be caused by a loss of salt and water or a decrease in blood volume. Hypovolemia is the loss of extracellular fluid (ECF) and should not be confused with dehydration. Anemia is a blood disorder in which the blood cannot carry oxygen. It can be caused by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells, a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen transport, or abnormalities in hemoglobin that impair its function.

While both conditions have different causative factors, in layman’s terms, insufficient blood is present in the body when investigated through a laboratory test. The extremes of both conditions—anemia and hypovolemia, which result from a decrease in blood volume—would require transfusion. 

Furthermore, when both conditions are mild or are in their primary stages, and a doctor decides to prescribe medications, patients or their relatives should understand the reality and abide by the doctor’s rules. So, drinking the combo of malt and milk does not increase blood volume.

Abdulaziz Isah Bagwai is a community health practitioner, journalist, and storyteller. His work has appeared in The Solutions Paper, Brittle Paper, The Daily Reality, Neptune Prime, Opinion Nigeria, and more. He writes from Kano State and can be contacted at aibagwai001@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim

One thing about being a public figure is that it deprives you of your nature to be human (one bound to make mistakes). Moreover, it makes you lose your private life, as everything you do is often turned into a public affair.

It’s even more troubling when you’re a religious public figure who is commonly referred to as an Ustaz because you’d have to go the extra mile to pretend to be who you’re not sometimes to remain in people’s good book.

Now, imagine having to tender an apology and an explanation to an entitled public for your personal affair, which they consider inappropriate, or risk being bullied. Some of these issues that raise concerns are debatable or even irrelevant.

People with visible flaws would even be the ones at the forefront of bullying you when you derail from their definition of saint or Ustaz just because they expect you to be completely flawless.

Nobody would understand the irresistible youthful exuberance, satanic temptation, peer group influence, and other factors that might have led to your deviation from the path of saintliness. 

Anyway, such prestigious recognition and status come with a price. So, I can say that’s the price you’d have to pay for being what so many people are not.  

It is more important to please God while being true to your conscience than trying to please humans, as pleasing humans can never be completely achievable.

Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim wrote via suleimibrahim00@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

Residents of some areas in Kano State are sounding alarm over a severe mosquito infestation linked to rampant refuse accumulation.

The situation has raised public health concerns, particularly regarding the rising cases of malaria, a disease predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes.

Situation on ground

In several neighborhoods, stagnant water and heaps of garbage have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Local residents report an alarming increase in mosquito populations, which they believe is directly contributing to a surge in malaria cases.

Residents’ Concerns

Local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the government’s failure to address this growing health crisis. They highlight that the absence of mosquito control initiatives, such as spraying insecticides and promoting sanitation, has allowed mosquito populations to flourish.

“We see mosquitoes everywhere, and they are the main cause of malaria in our community,” lamented Khadija Umar. “The government needs to take action before more lives are lost.”

“We are overwhelmed by mosquitoes, and many of us are falling ill with malaria,” Amina Yusuf, a resident of Danrimi area. “We need immediate help from the government.”

The lack of effective waste management and sanitation services in these communities have exacerbated the problem. Many families are struggling to cope with the health implications, with some reporting multiple cases of malaria within their households. “It’s heartbreaking to see our loved ones suffer because of something that can be prevented,” lamented Saad musa.

The call for government action

Residents are calling on the Kano State government to take urgent action.

They are demanding the implementation of mosquito control initiatives, including regular insecticide spraying and improved waste management practices.

Additionally, public health campaigns aimed at educating the community about malaria prevention are seen as essential steps toward tackling this growing crisis.

Health expert warns that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to further health complications for vulnerable populations.

Usman Sani Sa’id, a health practitioner, is urging the government to prioritize initiatives that educate communities on mosquito eradication and distribute mosquito nets.

“Malaria disproportionately affects developing countries, with poor hygiene being a significant contributor. However, when communities maintain cleanliness by sweeping homes and disposing of sewage, mosquitoes are less likely to thrive,” he emphasizes.

Sa’id, highlighted the necessity of community education, asserting, “It is imperative that we raise awareness about malaria prevention. The government must adopt measures such as spraying insecticides and implementing other preventive strategies to safeguard the health and lives of our residents.” His passionate plea underscores the urgent need for a collaborative effort in combating malaria and enhancing public health.

By Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen

In today’s digital era, a new phenomenon known as “sharenting” has emerged, where parents extensively share photos, videos, and updates about their children on social media platforms. This blend of sharing and parenting has sparked a lively debate, raising questions about privacy, consent, and the long-term impact on children.

For many parents, social media offers a convenient platform to document and celebrate their children’s milestones and daily adventures. It provides a way to connect with family and friends, especially those far away. Sharing these moments can foster community and support, allowing parents to exchange advice and experiences.

However, the practice of sharenting has prompted significant privacy concerns. Once images and information are posted online, they can be difficult to control. Photos can be shared, downloaded, and even misused by strangers. 

The permanence of the internet raises questions about how these digital footprints might affect children as they grow older, especially when they begin to establish their online identities.

Another critical issue is consent. Young children cannot give informed consent to having their lives shared online. As they grow, they may feel uncomfortable with the digital trail left behind by their parents’ posts. This raises ethical questions about children’s rights to privacy and autonomy over their personal information.

The psychological effects of sharenting are still being explored. Some experts suggest that children might feel pressure to perform for the camera or struggle with the idea that their lives are being broadcast without input. On the other hand, positive reinforcement from family and friends can boost a child’s self-esteem, suggesting a nuanced impact.

For parents who wish to navigate sharenting responsibly, several guidelines can be considered:

1. Privacy Settings: Use strict privacy settings on social media accounts to limit who can see your posts.

2. Consent: As children grow older, involve them in discussions about what gets shared and respect their wishes if they prefer not to be featured online.

3. Limit Details: Do not share sensitive information such as full names, birth dates, or locations that could compromise your child’s safety.

4. Think Long-Term: Consider the potential long-term effects of each post and whether it might embarrass or harm your child in the future.

5. Digital Literacy: Educate children about the implications of digital sharing and the importance of privacy from an early age.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the dynamics of parenting in the digital age. Sharenting, while offering opportunities for connection and celebration, demands careful consideration of privacy, consent, and the well-being of children. By adopting mindful practices, parents can safeguard their children’s present and future in the digital realm.

Amrah Musa Kamaruddeen wrote from the Mass Communication Department, Bayero University, Kano.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

In our busy lives, we often overlook a fundamental truth: sharing even the little we have can bring blessings, not only to others but also to ourselves. It does not require grand gestures; sometimes, small acts of generosity can profoundly impact lives and brighten the world.

Sharing fosters connections between people, whether with friends, family members, or strangers, reminding us of our shared humanity. Offering our time, food, or clothing creates a deep sense of joy and fulfilment, and the knowledge that you have made someone else’s day a little better is a reward in itself.

What may seem insignificant to you could mean the world to someone in need. An extra meal or a warm blanket could make the difference between hardship and comfort for someone less fortunate. Sharing eases others’ burdens, inspiring them and others to pay kindness forward, creating a cycle of compassion that can transform communities. It also fosters gratitude, helping us recognise and appreciate our blessings, however small.

Across cultures and beliefs, there’s a common understanding that generosity brings blessings. The universe rewards those who give, often in ways that go beyond material returns. By sharing, we also reduce waste and better use our planet’s resources, contributing to a more mindful and sustainable world.

Even the simplest act of kindness has a ripple effect, touching more lives than we can imagine. It’s not the size of the gift but the spirit in which it’s given. A warm smile, a meal, or a helping hand—each act of sharing has the power to uplift and transform. Never underestimate the profound impact of generosity. In giving, we receive life’s truest blessings.

Usman Muhammad Salihu was part of the pioneer cohort of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship and wrote from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

A research expert and communications lecturer at Kano State Polytechnic, Malam Aisar Fagge, has expressed deep concern over the rise of online sports betting among Nigerian youth, especially university students.

He attributed this trend to the worsening economic hardships, unemployment and a widespread “get-rich-quick” mentality, which he warns is leading to dishonest behaviors and damaging lifestyles.

According to Fagge, research reveals that a significant portion of those involved in online gambling are university students, whose academic performance suffers as they dedicate countless hours to betting instead of their studies.

He shared these insights as the lead speaker during a seminar at Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, where he cited empirical findings across geo-political zones in Nigeria indicating that 66 percent of online sports gamblers are students.

Alarmingly, he noted that gambling losses have led some young people to attempt suicide.

During the event, titled “The Pervasiveness of Sports Betting (Online Gambling) Among Undergraduate Students in Nigerian Universities,” Fagge defined online gambling as the risky investment of money in hopes of gain or, in extreme cases, even personal belongings like wives, which he described as madness.

He voiced alarm over this disturbing trend, highlighting that these youths are supposed to be the future leaders of society but are instead risking their lives for gambling—a problem that has been repeatedly reported in various situations and times.

He noted that while online gambling is globally popular, it has particularly gained a foothold among African youth.

He stated that in Kenya, for instance, 84 percent of young people engage in online betting daily, with Nigeria ranking close behind.

Fagge warned that Nigeria might soon surpass Kenya in gambling numbers due to its large population, a trend he sees as unfortunate given the many productive ways students could use their phones to earn a living.

He also cited how this activity goes against Islamic teachings, as mentioned in the Qur’an.

He further explained that, in the past, gambling was considered anti-social in Hausa communities, but modern technology now provides anonymity, making it easier and more enticing.

He blames the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and X for promoting this activity.

Despite acknowledging the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, he stressed the importance of patience and resilience, reminding his audience of the Islamic belief that life’s tests are part of a divine plan.

“Although we all know the current economic situation in Nigeria, we must remember that we are Muslims. Allah clearly states that He will test us. This is life: today may be good, tomorrow may be bad.”

He pointed out that although online gambling is prevalent among youths, the situation in Northern Nigeria remains better than in Southern regions, like Lagos, where many shops openly facilitate gambling.

Fagge cited a 2024 study by Olusegun et al., highlighting that 79 percent of online gamblers in Nigeria are young people aged 18 to 35. He also cited incidences were some students committed suicide for losing money during betting and the drop-outs who used their registration fees for sports betting.

Football, he noted, has the highest following in sports betting, with 74 percent of bets nationwide placed on football matches, which fuels the global popularity of the sport.

He shared the story of a young businessman who, over seven years, lost over 18 million naira, with his largest win being only 360,000 naira.

He urged youths to quit gambling before they reach the stage of addiction which is considered as a “point of no return,” cautioning, “Once someone crosses that point, it’s hard to stop, with the hope that they might win someday.”

The Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqama University, Professor Salisu Sheshu, commended the lecture as timely and vital, given the audience—digital natives. He encouraged students to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar.

The Daily Reality reports that the event gathered academics from within and outside the university, along with guests and numerous students.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed that between 2023 and 2024, Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) claimed the lives of 361 individuals across 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Abuja. 

During an update on the ongoing Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks, Dr Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, highlighted that these fatalities were recorded in 174 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide. Additionally, the country has seen 4,915 suspected cases and 380 confirmed cases of CSM during the same period.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis is characterised by acute inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

This inflammation can result from various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, as well as from injuries or certain medications.

Dr. Idris emphasised that CSM is an epidemic-prone disease with year-round cases reported in Nigeria. He noted that environmental factors, particularly during the dry season marked by dust storms, cold nights, and increased respiratory infections, heighten the risk of infection, especially in overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings.

The “Meningitis Belt,” which encompasses all 19 northern states, the FCT, and parts of southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, bears the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria.

In response to this public health challenge, over 2.28 million Men5CV-ACWYX meningitis vaccines have been administered in Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa across 134 wards in 13 LGAs.

The vaccination campaign primarily targets individuals aged 1 to 29, representing approximately 70% of the population.

Dr. Idris concluded that despite recent advancements in surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, and vaccination efforts, CSM remains a critical public health concern in Nigeria. Due to its recurrent outbreaks in high-burden states, the disease continues to pose challenges for individuals, health systems, economies, and communities.

By Dr Najeeb Maigatari

Your Excellency, I hope this letter finds you in good health. As I do not have the means through which my message could reach you, I am compelled to write this open letter to draw your attention to a menace threatening our healthcare system. That is the well-known Japa syndrome that has recently plagued our dear State.

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the good people of Jigawa State over the tragedy that befell the people of Majia a few weeks ago. This unforeseen event led to the loss of lives of over a hundred people and left several others with varying degrees of injuries. My heart goes out to the bereaving families of all those affected, and I pray that Allah repose the souls of the deceased and heal the injured. Amen.  

Returning to the purpose of writing this letter, Your Excellency, I would like to provide some details about how our dear state used to be. It was undoubtedly one of the states with the best healthcare systems and the highest number of practising medical doctors in Northern Nigeria. At one point, it was akin to a medical hub attracting patients and medical professionals from neighbouring states due to its subsidised healthcare, efficient service delivery, and overall welfare of health workers and patients. 

Since its creation in the early 1990s, the State has made giant strides in providing its citizens with effective and reliable healthcare services. To mention a few, various successive administrations have invested heavily in training Medical doctors and other health professionals, within and outside the country, in varying capacities to ensure effective healthcare delivery to the good people of the state. 

Similarly, Jigawa State has awarded scholarships with bond agreements to local and foreign medical students since time immemorial. It has produced medical graduates from various reputable institutions within and outside the country. In addition, it was one of the pioneer states among its peers to implement the sponsorship of medical doctors through postgraduate medical training programs to further their studies, a policy several other states would later adopt. 

Your Excellency, I can say with immense pride that our healthcare system performance score was impressive overall. It used to be one of the best in the country. The services rendered were affordable and accessible to the masses, and the welfare of patients and healthcare professionals was optimum. For instance, at some point, healthcare workers in Jigawa State were earning more than their federal counterparts. 

Unfortunately, things have now taken a turn for the worse. Our healthcare system is not only ‘underperforming’ below standard by all measures but also one of the worst in the country. We are now a shadow of our past. Jigawa State has a patient-doctor ratio of 1:35,000, far exceeding the WHO recommendation of 1:600, making it one of the states with the worst healthcare systems in Nigeria. This is indeed a troubling situation. 

Over the past few years, Jigawa State has witnessed an unprecedented mass exodus of medical doctors to other neighbouring states owing to poor welfare, overburdening workload, and inadequate health facilities in hospitals, among other factors. Regrettably, this internal Japa syndrome ravaging the state continues to overstretch our already fragile healthcare system. 

To put things into perspective, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Jigawa State branch from 2013 to 2024, of the 264 doctors who reported back to the state for bonding agreements, only 40 stayed after completing their terms. This is to say that more than 220 medical doctors have left to continue their careers elsewhere because Jigawa is fast becoming a nightmare and a difficult place for medical doctors.

It is worth noting that the state produced over 500 medical doctors (both foreign and locally trained) during the same period. Still, only 214 are on the state payroll, of which only 77 are currently manning the state’s primary and secondary institutions. They are about to round up their bond agreements by the end of the year; 89 are in training as either house officers or doing national service. The state has less than ten consultants and only 12 doctors in residency training. Altogether, fewer than 100 doctors attend to a population of over 7.5 million. 

This data suggests that while the state is doing a good job at producing medical doctors (both local and foreign), its retention capacity is very poor. The State will be left with no Medical doctors in the coming years if things continue at this pace. It has to either employ doctors from neighbouring states or overwork the few that stay to death if at all there would be! Your Excellency, this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as this crisis is concerned. This menace has no end. 

As a citizen concerned about the interests of Jigawa State, I implore you to declare a state of emergency on health in Jigawa State and engage with relevant stakeholders to find a way to end this worsening Japa syndrome, which is wreaking havoc in our dear state.  

The most crucial step to addressing this issue is the urgent need for the improvement of the overall welfare of the few Medical doctors and other healthcare professionals left in the state who are already struggling with chronic fatigue due to overwhelming patient workload. This singular act will not only boost the morale of these weary Medical professionals but relieve them of their burden. Still, it will also attract others from various States to compensate for the acute shortage of Medical doctors in the state. It will also improve the effectiveness of healthcare services delivered to the people. In other words, we can go back to our glory days. 

 Various States have already employed this strategy. Your Excellency, Jigawa State can not afford to lose the doctors it invests heavily in. This could amount to a work in futility! 

In addition, the government should seriously consider domesticating the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which will help train experts in various medical specialities in the state. This would help address the shortage of registrars and consultants in our tertiary facilities and provide an avenue for a healthy and excellent research environment in the State.

Other measures include equipping our already existing hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and subsidising healthcare services, especially to women, young children and those suffering from such chronic debilitating conditions as sickle cell disease and chronic liver and kidney diseases. Your excellency, I believe these are some ways that could help end this menace threatening our very existence, help revitalise the State’s healthcare and improve its delivery to the citizens of Jigawa State. 

 Najeeb Maigatari is a Medical doctor. He writes from Dutse, Jigawa State, via maigatari313@gmail.com.

By Fatima Dauda Salihu 

Health is a fundamental priority that any government should address. When citizens are healthy, the entire state benefits. However, it is disheartening when the government neglects its health sector. 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has increased its expenditure on public health over the years to enhance public health outcomes, but much still needs to be done. Public health requires ongoing efforts, and continuous improvement remains a crucial goal. The numerous and serious healthcare challenges in the country arise from poor health infrastructure, inadequate education, hygiene and sanitation issues, and extreme poverty and hunger.

The Health department plays a critical role in educating people about unforeseen infectious diseases and interventions for alleviation. 

Public health infrastructure provides communities, states and the nation as a whole with the ability to prevent diseases, promote health and respond to both ongoing and emerging challenges to health. 

Since its independence, Nigeria’s health sector has been named one of the worst in Africa. Issues include lack of coordination, fragmentation of services, scarcity of medical resources, including drugs and supplies, inadequate and decaying infrastructure, inequity in resource distribution, and access to care. 

According to the National Institute of Health, the Nigerian healthcare system is poorly developed and has suffered several setbacks, especially at the local government level. No adequate and functional surveillance systems have been created;hence, there is no tracking system to monitor the outbreak of infectious diseases, bioterrorism, chemical poisoning, etc. 

Nigeria’s hospitals and emergency services do not meet world standards. The availability of healthcare institutions and professionals is limited, while long distances travelling for healthcare are not affordable. The healthcare costs and expenditures related to the prevention and treatment of diseases are rising. 

Many primary healthcare centres across Nigeria are dilapidated, have low staff, have poor electricity, and have unclean water, and they cannot efficiently serve people in rural areas. Many pregnant women still seek the services of traditional birth attendants for delivery, and even many children in rural areas miss out on routine immunisations, which are meant to be one of the responsibilities of effective primary healthcare centres. 

Due to the poor state of the health sector, there has been a constant mass migration of doctors and health professionals out of the country. This relates to ongoing strikes and poor working conditions in healthcare delivery centres. The challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare system include inadequate hygiene and sanitation, insufficient financial investments, and alimited workforce and facilities. 

Establishing healthcare institutions and insurance schemes, increasing the workforce, and improving hygiene and treatment conditions can help address these challenges. Implementing policies for maternal health and healthcare reforms can lead to better health outcomes. 

Fatima Dauda Salihu wrote from Bayero University, Kano.