Nigeria's Health Security: A situation analysis, forecasts and suggested interventions

Abstract

Background: With an estimated population of 198 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in sub-Sahara Africa and the seventh globally. Approximately half of the population is aged less than 30 years. The country has a high total fertility rate estimated at 5.5 births per woman. At current rates, Nigeria's population is projected to double by 2050. Challenges: Poorly controlled population growth poses several potential developmental challenges not only to Nigeria but also to the region, and even beyond. The Nigerian population continues to grow, but the country's land mass and other resources remain relatively fixed with some even depreciating. This scenario underscores the need to plan and take actions to forestall the potential threats and catastrophic consequences of uncontrolled population growth. Conclusion: This article describes the current situation of the health care systems in Nigeria, provides a SWOT analysis of the system and offers interventions to ensure health security in the country by 2050.