The Lancet Nigeria Commission: investing in health and the future of the nation
Ibrahim Abubakar, Sarah L Dalglish, Blake Angell, Olutobi Adekunle Sanuade, Ṣẹ̀yẹ Abímbọ́lá, Aishatu L. Adamu, Ifedayo Adetifa, Tim Colbourn, Afolabi Olaniyi Ogunlesi, Obinna Onwujekwe, Eme Owoaje, Iruka N. Okeke, Adebowale Adeyemo, Gambo Aliyu, Muktar H. Aliyu, Sani Aliyu, Emmanuel A. Ameh, Belinda Archibong, Alex Ezeh, Muktar A Gadanya, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Zubairu Iliyasu, Aminatu Kwaku Chiroma, Diana Mabayoje, Mohammed Nasir Sambo, Stephen Obaro, Adesola Yinka-Ogunleye, Friday Okonofua, Tolu Oni, Olu Onyimadu, Muhammad Ali Pate, Babatunde Lawal Salako, Faisal Shuaib, Fatimah I. Tsiga-Ahmed, Fatima H Zanna
Abstract
Health is central to the development of any country. Nigeria’s gross domestic product is the largest in Africa, but its per capita income of about ₦770 000 (US$2000) is low with a highly inequitable distribution of income, wealth, and therefore, health. It is a picture of poverty amidst plenty. Nigeria is both a wealthy country and a very poor one. About 40% of Nigerians live in poverty, in social conditions that create ill health, and with the ever-present risk of catastrophic expenditures from high out-of-pocket spending for health. Even compared with countries of similar income levels in Africa, Nigeria’s population health outcomes are poor, with national statistics masking drastic differences between rich and poor, urban and rural populations, and different regions.