The impact of trauma on the health security in Nigeria by the year 2050

Abstract

Introduction: Trauma is the leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults. More people died from trauma in 2010 than from malaria, TB and HIV combined. Nearly a third of trauma deaths are from violence and nearly a quarter arc from road traffic accidents. Situation Analysis: Nigerian population demographics is very fluid. Communal clashes, acts of terrorism, road traffic accidents and violent crimes arc major contributors to trauma. The severity and complexity of injury patterns arc unpredictable. Motorcycle road traffic accidents arc on the increase. The use of psychoactive drugs plays a role in the occurrence of injuries. Forecast: Desertification and increasing demands on dwindling water supplies will fuel more communal clashes. Improvements in emergency services will allow survival of more severe and complex injuries and the presentation of these to health care facilities will necessitate improvement in personnel numbers, training and competence as well as facilities and infrastructure to cope with the care of the patients. Improvement in communication and social media use will be a major tool in information dissemination and public enlightenment. SWOT Analysis: Strengths include the opportunities to utilize available expertise for tailor made solutions. Social media and the influence of traditional and religious leaders arc major opportunities. Weaknesses include the poor road network and instability in the worst hit regions while threats include the cost, anti-orthodox cultural beliefs and the risk to personnel.