In Nigeria, significant progress has been made in health improvement since 1950. However, lower respiratory infections, neonatal disorders, and HIV/AIDS remain the leading causes of death in the country. Diseases such as monkeypox, polio, malaria, and tuberculosis have shown improvement due to various interventions. Other major health concerns include malnutrition, pollution, and road traffic accidents. In 2020, Nigeria recorded the highest number of cases of COVID-19 in Africa.
The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) estimates that Nigeria fulfills 48.2% of the expected obligations for the right to health, based on its income. For children's health, Nigeria achieves 66.6% of what is expected, while for adults, the figure is 61.7%. Reproductive health performance is particularly low, at 16.3% of the expected level.
Life expectancy and under-five mortality rate
Life expectancy at birth in Nigeria increased from 49.4 years in 2007 to approximately 54 years in 2017. The under-five mortality rate (U5MR) per 1,000 live births decreased from 145.7 in 2007 to 100.2 in 2017. When compared with other countries and global averages, Nigeria's health indicators remain poor.
Top 10 causes of death in Nigeria (2007–2017) + Top 10 causes of death in Nigeria Cause of death IHME rank 2007 IHME rank 2017 Percentage change (2007–2017) Malaria 1 4 -35.8 Diarrheal disease 2 5 -39.5 HIV/AIDS 3 3 -25.7 Lower respiratory infection 4 1 -10.7 Neonatal disorders 5 2 -1.5 Tuberculosis 6 6 -15.2 Meningitis 7 7 -2.0 Cirrhosis 8 10 +1.3 Ischemic heart disease 9 8 +24.5 Stroke 10 9 +15.0 Source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)
Source: Under-5 Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births) and Life Expectancy at Birth (years). Estimates developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division).
Comparison of health indicators in Nigeria and reference countries/regions + Comparison of health indicators Country/Region Life expectancy at birth (2007) Life expectancy at birth (2017) U5MR (2007) U5MR (2017) Estimated population (2018) Nigeria 49 54 146 100 195 million+ Reference countries Ghana 60 63 82 49 29 million+ Malawi 53 64 103 55 18 million+ Rwanda 59 67 88 38 13 million+ Sudan 61 67 84 63 41 million+ Norway 80 83 4 3 5 million+ United States 78 79 8 7 327 million+ China 75 76 20 9 1.393 billion Australia 81 82 5 4 24 million Reference regions & world East Asia & Pacific 74 76 26 16 2.328 billion Europe & Central Asia 75 78 15 9 918 million+ Latin America & the Caribbean 73 76 24 18 641 million+ Middle East & North Africa 72 74 31 23 448 million+ South Asia 66 69 71 45 1.814 billion Sub-Saharan Africa 55 61 116 76 1.078 billion World 70 72 58 39 7.594 billion Source: United Nations Population Division, World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision; The World Bank Group.
Maternal mortality
The maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is over 800 per 100,000 live births. In 2013, the rate was recorded at 560 deaths per 100,000 live births, slightly higher than the 516 deaths per 100,000 live births reported in 1980. Contributing factors include inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to quality medical services, malnutrition linked to poverty, displacement due to Boko Haram insurgency, unsafe abortions, and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation.
In Nigeria, the lifetime risk of death for pregnant women is 1 in 22. The country has restrictive abortion laws, limiting access to safe procedures and increasing risks associated with unsafe abortions. A 2019 study highlighted insufficient skills in emergency obstetric care among healthcare providers. Regional disparities also exist, with maternal mortality declining in southern Nigeria but remaining high in the north due to lower educational levels and access to services.
Maternal mortality impacts Nigeria's socioeconomic development. Sustainable Development Goal 3, target 1, aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Achieving this goal requires awareness campaigns, improved healthcare access, and accountability from government and local leaders.
Water supply and sanitation
Access to improved water sources in Nigeria increased from 47% in 1990 to 54% in 2010. Urban access, which had decreased from 80% to 65% in 2006, recovered to 74% by 2010.WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation, 2010 estimates for water and sanitation
Sanitation infrastructure remains inadequate. Most households rely on septic tanks as centralized sewage systems are limited to Abuja and parts of Lagos.USAID: Nigeria Water and Sanitation Profile, ca. 2007 A 2006 study revealed that only 1% of Lagos households were connected to sewer systems.Matthew Gandy:Water, Sanitation, and the Modern City: Colonial and post-colonial experiences in Lagos and Mumbai, Human Development Report Office Occasional Paper, 2006 In 2016, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and hygiene accounted for 68.6 deaths per 100,000 people.
Disease
HIV/AIDS
The 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey revealed that the national HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15–49 is 1.4%. Prevalence varies significantly across regions and states. Akwa Ibom State has the highest prevalence at 5.6%, followed by Benue State (4.9%) and Rivers State (3.8%). In contrast, Jigawa State and Katsina State have the lowest prevalence at 0.3%.
The epidemic is primarily driven by high-risk behaviors such as multiple sexual partnerships, low risk perception, limited access to healthcare, and certain socioeconomic factors, including street hawking near military and police checkpoints. Other contributing factors include prostitution, high rates of sexually transmitted infections, clandestine high-risk sexual practices, and human trafficking. Young women are particularly vulnerable compared to young men.
Malaria Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. While there has been a slight decline in transmission and deaths since 2007, it remains the top cause of death in the country. As of 2012, the malaria prevalence rate was 11%. The President's Malaria Initiative identifies Nigeria as a high-burden country. The National Malaria Control Program has adopted the global campaign theme, "End Malaria for Good."
In 2017, malaria ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in Nigeria, with under-five mortality and infant mortality rates of 103.2 and 62.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. High transmission persists in various states, compounded by challenges such as drug and insecticide resistance and the socioeconomic costs of eradication efforts. Effective mosquito control, accurate diagnosis, and treatment are critical to tackling the disease. Strong leadership, transparency, and accountability at all levels of government are necessary to ensure success in malaria control and eradication efforts.
Endemic diseases In 1985, an outbreak of yellow fever in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people. The epidemic spread over five years, causing further fatalities. The yellow fever vaccine has been available since the 1930s. Other endemic diseases in Nigeria include malaria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, and Lassa fever. Travelers to Nigeria are generally advised to get vaccines and medicines to protect against these diseases.
Mpox Mpox which is also called monkeypox is a common diseases among animals that has been transmitted from animals to human beings. It can also spread from someone that has contracted the disease to another human. Mpox occurs when there is contact with an infected animal or infected humans or contaminated materials. Mpox doesn't have a specific treatment. We can only prevent it by cleaning our hands regularly by washing and we make sure cook animals meat thoroughly. The diseas was first discovered in 1971 in Nigeria with two cases
COVID-19
Nigeria's response to the COVID-19 pandemic included a range of measures aimed at controlling the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and increased testing. The government also collaborated with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union to secure vaccines. Despite these efforts, Nigeria faced challenges in terms of vaccine distribution and public health infrastructure. The pandemic exacerbated existing health issues, putting a strain on the country's already limited resources.
Neglected tropical diseases
Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of infectious diseases caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins. These diseases disproportionately affect impoverished communities, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In Nigeria, neglected tropical diseases are a significant public health concern due to their widespread prevalence and socio economic impact.
Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of neglected tropical diseases in Africa. The epidemiology of these diseases in the country is influenced by environmental conditions, poverty, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a high reliance on subsistence agriculture. Many neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria are vector borne, have animal reservoirs, and exhibit complex life cycles, which pose significant challenges for public health interventions.
These diseases include: Lymphatic filariasis: Also known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. It is transmitted through mosquito bites from species like Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, and Mansonia. The infection affects the lymphatic system, leading to severe swelling (lymphedema) in the limbs, genitals, and breasts. Over time, the skin thickens, and the affected areas become painful, making movement difficult. The disease can result in significant complications, including disability, secondary infections, and psychological distress. Many individuals suffering from lymphatic filariasis face social stigma due to their appearance, which can impact their mental health and quality of life. In severe cases, the condition limits mobility and daily activities, contributing to long-term physical and emotional suffering. Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is caused by Onchocerca volvulus, a parasitic worm transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies (Simulium species). These blackflies breed in fast-flowing rivers, making communities near such areas particularly vulnerable. Once inside the human body, the worms produce microfilariae, which migrate through the skin and eyes, leading to severe health issues. The symptoms of onchocerciasis include intense itching, skin rashes, and depigmentation, often referred to as "leopard skin." Infected individuals may also develop nodules under the skin where adult worms reside. Over time, the disease can cause vision impairment, eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Beyond physical suffering, the disease creates social and economic burdens, as affected individuals may struggle with daily activities and employment. Prevention and treatment of onchocerciasis primarily involve the administration of ivermectin, which kills the microfilariae and helps control the disease's progression. Additionally, efforts to reduce the blackfly population through vector control methods, such as insecticide spraying, play a crucial role in minimizing transmission. Continuous treatment and preventive measures are essential to reducing the impact of this debilitating disease, particularly in endemic regions.