Health disparities in Nigeria: core evidence and practical implications

Abstract

This paper focused on health disparities and healthcare disparities among Nigeria population groups. It attempted to explain these disparities with emphasis on their socioeconomic status, geographical locations, distance of travel to a healthcare facility, degree of access to quality health care services, challenges of providers serving in rural communities and other related issues. The present work, though not an original research study, leveraged on existing body of data and on relevant literature to provide an overview of the subjects in focus and an informed analysis on the health and healthcare disparities between different Nigerian population groups -rural or urban / northern or southern. Whereas in some instances, data from Nigeria was not available, those available were not as precise as one would like. Nonetheless, the paper highlighted the limitations of the data on disparities presented, while also encouraging a conversation on why such disparities existed, and what might be done to reduce the observed gaps.