Emerging, re-emerging disease, population movement and health security in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Most emerging diseases originated from poor countries, with little capacity for; disease detection, surveillance and control. To propose a roadmap for health security in Nigeria, this paper provides an overview of the situation analysis on emerging, re-emerging diseases and population movement in Nigeria. A glimpse of the future trajectory vis-a-vis urbanization, and internal population displacement was also captured in the paper and based on existing National Health Policy and development goals, short, medium- and long-term plans were suggested. Methods: Situation analysis of emerging and reemerging diseases was conducted based on extensive literature search. Past and recent population movement particularly forced migration, were assessed. SWOT analysis on emerging and reemerging diseases in Nigeria was done and projected at short (2019-2024), medium (2025-2030) and long term (2030-2050) goals. The sources of funding, activities/interventions/plans and responsible body aimed at curbing the emerging and re-emerging diseases were identified. The monitoring and evaluation strategies were also suggested. Results: Risk factors contributing to the emergence and rapid spread of epidemic diseases in Nigeria include climate change, weak surveillance, limited laboratory diagnostic capacity, and increased human animal interaction. Another critical factor is increased population movement driven by factors rapid urbanization; acute and protracted humanitarian emergencies which often give rise to internal displacement. Increasing trend in outbreaks of infectious diseases and development of new pathogens as a result of displacement and poor environmental conditions is imminent in Nigeria. These factors have debilitating effects on fragile health systems thereby putting health security of Nigerians at great risks. Nigeria's population growth rate of 2.8% is high and the projection indicated that the population will double itself by the year 2050. Conclusion: There are challenges about emerging and re-emerging diseases in Nigeria especially with highly mobile population. The implications for health security are very critical and should be in the front burners. Realization of the vision of universal health coverage and its sustainability within the context of population doubling time by the year 2050 requires robust planning and meticulous implementation. Ethnic conflicts, insurgency and herdsmen constitute serious challenge to the existing poor security structure and system and this will continue to cause forced migration and pose threat to the future health security of Nigerians if unchecked.