The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed that outbreaks of disease in Nigeria will continue to hinder the progress of the country in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all, might be derailed due to the diversion of lean resources to combat outbreaks.
While responding to the cholera outbreaks in Lagos State, Lafoucrier maintained that during outbreaks, the overstretched health system will be hugely impacted.
She said: “These outbreaks strain Nigeria’s health system, diverting limited resources from essential services like routine immunizations and maternal and child care, undermining universal health coverage.
“Outbreaks disrupt health programs, leading to resurgences of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and diphtheria, which hinder efforts to reduce child mortality and control epidemics.
“Economically, outbreaks shift funds from primary healthcare to emergency response, causing economic downturns that reduce health budgets and government revenues, further straining health services.
“However, outbreaks also present opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. A robust response is needed to improve health infrastructure, enhance economic resilience, and ensure equitable access to health services. This is essential for mitigating the impact of outbreaks and progressing towards sustainable health outcomes.”
On the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos State, Lafoucrier stated that the vulnerable groups not only battle health risks but are also faced with the possibility of having their education system disrupted.
“Educational disruption is yet another critical consequence of cholera outbreaks, as illness and the need to care for sick family members lead to school closures and reduced attendance, hindering children’s learning and development.
“Similarly, post-recovery issues in children can include malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems, increasing susceptibility to other diseases.
“These outbreaks underscore the urgent need for improved access to clean water and sanitation in many areas. Despite the state government’s efforts to provide water to its population, the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring the water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.”
