The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Summary, nearly a year after its launch, has raised significant questions about Nigeria’s health landscape. The NDHS, initially flagged off by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate in December 2023, aims to provide valuable insights into the country’s healthcare needs. It’s designed not just as a statistical report, but as a tool for informing health policies and resource allocation.
The 2024 NDHS brings both good and concerning news. A major highlight is the inclusion of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the data, marking the first time these diseases have been tracked. With NCDs now replacing communicable diseases as major causes of mortality, the survey reports troubling findings on diabetes and hypertension. It reveals that a significant portion of women (53%) take medication to control diabetes, while only 39% of men do the same. Similarly, 54% of women with high blood pressure are on treatment, compared to 51% of men.
Another positive development is the increase in HIV testing, with 32% of women and 30% of men in the 15-49 age group reporting testing. This shows progress towards meeting WHO guidelines. Maternal health metrics are also improving, with a record 43% of women now delivering in health facilities, a notable rise from 32% in 1990. Similarly, 46% of women had skilled birth attendants in 2024, a significant improvement over previous years.
However, the survey also highlights areas of concern. The diagnosis rates for diabetes and hypertension remain alarmingly low, with only 1% of men and women ever being diagnosed with high blood sugar. Hypertension diagnosis rates are similarly low. Additionally, maternal healthcare has seen a setback, with antenatal care (ANC) coverage dropping from 67% in 2018 to 63% in 2024. Child vaccination rates have also worsened, with 30% of children receiving no vaccinations, an 11% increase from 2018.
The survey also revealed troubling nutrition trends. The percentage of infants exclusively breastfed has stagnated at 29%, falling short of the national target. Furthermore, a significant portion of children aged 6-23 months consumes unhealthy food and sugary beverages, raising alarms about child nutrition.
The findings suggest urgent policy adjustments. The Federal Ministry of Health may need to sharpen its strategies to address these health gaps. A focus on grassroots health education, health promotion, and policy diffusion is critical for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes across the country. Stakeholder engagement at the local level, including with health professional associations and community leaders, will be crucial to overcoming these challenges and ensuring that health reforms reach all Nigerians effectively.
Judith-Ann Walker, a specialist in CSO effectiveness and development studies, emphasizes the role of community engagement and advocacy in supporting the Federal Ministry of Health’s efforts to improve the country’s healthcare system.
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