CSO Coalition Lists Progress, Challenges of Nigeria’s Health System

A coalition of civil society organizations has unveiled a nationwide study detailing both the progress and persistent challenges within Nigeria's health system, particularly concerning interventions for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria in rural communities. The Integrated Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative, a joint effort by TB Network, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), and the Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), gathered evidence on the realities of accessing these critical health services.

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The findings highlight both the progress made and the challenges that continue to affect service delivery.

The findings, presented at a media dissemination meeting in Abuja, reveal a landscape marked by significant health system weaknesses. These include a shortage of skilled healthcare workers, frequent stock-outs of essential medicines and diagnostic tools, and inadequate health infrastructure. Consequently, access to quality services remains limited, especially in underserved communities. The study also pointed to high out-of-pocket expenses and transportation costs as major deterrents for individuals seeking care.

Furthermore, the report highlighted the ongoing impact of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, which continues to hinder access to services. Delays in viral load testing and result turnaround times contribute to gaps in treatment retention and continuity. For TB services, there are issues with delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation, alongside periodic shortages of TB medicines and laboratory commodities. Inadequate infection prevention and control measures were also noted in some health facilities.

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While investments have improved access to life-saving services, many Nigerians still face barriers to timely, equitable and quality healthcare.

Hajiya Fatima Kolo, Senior Operations Manager at ACOMIN, who presented the report, acknowledged Nigeria's notable progress in combating HIV, TB, and Malaria through collaborative efforts. However, she stressed that substantial challenges persist. "While investments have improved access to life-saving services, many Nigerians still face barriers to timely, equitable and quality healthcare," Kolo stated. The study indicated encouraging progress in community engagement and collaboration between health facilities and service users, but persistent issues like health worker shortages, medicine stock-outs, and infrastructure weaknesses continue to impede equitable access to quality healthcare.

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shortages of health workers, frequent stock-outs of essential medicines and diagnostics, stigma and discrimination, weak health infrastructure, and barriers that continue to limit equitable access to quality healthcare