There is an urgent need to address the various public health challenges reducing the life expectancy (55.5 years) of the Nigerian populace (WHO, 2016). Approximately 75% of public health concerns in Nigeria stem from Infectious Diseases, Maternal Mortality, Infant Mortality, Poor Sanitation/Hygiene, Disease Surveillance, Non-Communicable Diseases and Road Traffic Injuries (Muhammad et al. 2017). In the past years (from 1986 to 2004), Nigeria suffered major outbreaks of Yellow Fever, Cholera and Meningitis (Njidda et al., 2018). More recently, the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak (2014) and the Yellow Fever epidemic (2018) rocked the nation (with 8 and 26 deaths reported respectively).
A study by Faisal, Jamil & Chowdhury in 2017 revealed Malaria, Lower Respiratory Infections and HIV/AIDS as major conditions increasing the public health challenges in Nigeria. To properly address public health issues in the country, more emphasis should be placed on community-based interventions.
Why are conditions such as Malaria, Lower Respiratory Infections and HIV/AIDS still contributing majorly to deaths, despite the availability of drugs and health services in Nigeria? How do we properly address and manage these major public health issues?