Why Nigeria’s Weak Health System Affects Women and Girls Most.

 Why Nigeria’s Weak Health System Affects Women and Girls Most.

Nigeria's health system, like many in developing countries, faces significant challenges that hinder its ability to provide adequate care to its population. However, the impact of these shortcomings is disproportionately felt by women and girls. Understanding why this is the case involves examining the interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and structural factors.

1. Maternal Health Services.

One of the most glaring indicators of Nigeria’s weak health system is its maternal mortality rate. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths. Many women in Nigeria face life-threatening complications during childbirth due to inadequate prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. The lack of skilled health professionals, insufficient health facilities, and poor infrastructure exacerbate these risks.

2. Access to Reproductive Health Services

Reproductive health services, including family planning and contraception, are often inaccessible to many Nigerian women, particularly in rural areas. Cultural taboos and a lack of education further limit their use. This results in high rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

3. Economic Disparities

Women and girls are more likely to experience poverty and economic hardship than their male counterparts. Economic constraints limit their ability to seek and afford healthcare. Additionally, women’s economic dependence on men can restrict their access to health services, as they may lack the autonomy to make decisions about their health without their partner's consent.

4. Gender-Based Violence.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue in Nigeria. The health system is often ill-equipped to support survivors of GBV, lacking the necessary resources, trained personnel, and infrastructure to provide comprehensive care. Survivors of GBV require not only immediate medical care but also psychological support and legal assistance, which are often unavailable or inadequate.

5. Educational Barriers

Education is a critical determinant of health. Girls in Nigeria face numerous barriers to education, including poverty, early marriage, and cultural norms that prioritize boys' education over girls'. Lack of education limits women's knowledge about health, their ability to access healthcare services, and their overall health outcomes. Educated women are more likely to make informed health choices for themselves and their families.

6. Cultural and Social Norms

Cultural and social norms in Nigeria often perpetuate gender inequality, affecting women’s health-seeking behavior. In many communities, women’s health is not prioritized, and their mobility is restricted. These norms can discourage women from seeking medical care, especially for reproductive health issues, due to stigma and fear of social repercussions.

7. Healthcare Workforce and Gender Bias

The healthcare workforce in Nigeria is predominantly male, which can create barriers for women seeking care. Gender bias and discrimination within the health system can lead to women receiving lower quality care or feeling uncomfortable seeking care. Additionally, the shortage of female healthcare providers in rural areas limits women’s access to gender-sensitive care.

The Way Forward.

Addressing the disparities in health outcomes for women and girls in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach:

Strengthening Health Systems: Improving the infrastructure, workforce, and availability of essential medicines and services.

Enhancing Education: Promoting education for girls to empower them with knowledge and the ability to make informed health decisions.

Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for women to achieve financial independence, which can enhance their access to healthcare.

Addressing Gender Norms: Engaging communities in dialogue to challenge and change harmful cultural practices and norms.

Improving Access to Services: Expanding access to reproductive health services, GBV support services, and other essential health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

By addressing these critical areas,

Nigeria can make strides towards a more equitable health system that better serves women and girls, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the entire population.

DADDYUCHE247 DE CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER.