Sustaining health security in Oyo State towards 2050

Abstract

Introduction: Oyo State with 33 Local Government Areas and 351 wards operates a three-tier healthcare delivery system. There are challenges associated with changes in population, climate and environment, social security among others as we move towards 2050. There is a need to highlight the structure of healthcare in the State, review current challenges and propose mechanisms to ensure health security for Oyo State before 2050. Methods: A review of the structure, activities and interventions involved in healthcare delivery in Oyo State was undertaken with a comprehensive analysis of current challenges and future steps to be taken to ensure health security in Oyo State. Results: Oyo State has over 2,000 healthcare facilities distributed across the three tiers of healthcare for a population of over 8 million citizens. There have been recent structural and functional developments to strengthen facilities and policies and improve healthcare delivery in the State. Notable steps were advanced to ensure health security in the State by the year 2050. Conclusion: The goal in Oyo State is the dictum - Health is Wealth, as a healthy workforce is a productive work force. The vision and mission for healthcare delivery are beyond the year 2050. Hence, a multi-sectoral approach to healthcare delivery including but not limited to capacity building, reduction in maternal/infant mortality, a productive and encouraged medical workforce and a private sector involvement will be pivotal towards health security by 2050.