Nigeria is home to the largest geriatric population in Africa, with around 9.4 million people over the age of 60. As global geriatric populations continue to grow, Nigeria is no exception. By 2050, the country's elderly population is expected to triple, highlighting an urgent need to bolster healthcare capacity to support this demographic. Despite a global life expectancy of 73 years as of 2019, Nigeria's average life expectancy is lower at 62 years. However, this figure has improved by nearly 9 years since 2000, signalling increasing longevity and underscoring the need for healthcare, social reforms, and policies to support an aging population.
Key healthcare challenges faced by older adults in Nigeria include cancer, dementia, glaucoma, diabetes, and arthritis. Unfortunately, the country lacks the resources, infrastructure, and policies to adequately care for its elderly population. The shortage of medical professionals, with just 1 doctor for every 10,000 patients, coupled with 97% of the population lacking medical insurance, exacerbates the situation. The absence of basic infrastructure such as clinics and pharmacies makes access to reliable medical advice nearly impossible, especially for seniors in rural areas. Many resort to self-medication, which can lead to harmful consequences. The lack of geriatric care education in Nigerian universities has resulted in a scarcity of specialists, both clinical and non-clinical.
The situation is further complicated by the actions of foreign pharmaceutical companies. In 2023, major players like Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) exited the Nigerian market, citing supply difficulties. GSK's shift to a third-party distribution model has made medication access less regulated and potentially more expensive, compounding the challenges faced by the elderly.
Recognizing the growing geriatric crisis, the Nigerian government passed the National Senior Citizens Act in 2018, leading to the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) in 2022. The NSCC aims to identify and address the needs of senior citizens, focusing on social inclusion, sustainable development, and improving quality of life. A key initiative is the creation of training programs for caregiving, addressing both the shortage of trained professionals and the issue of underemployment among Nigerian youth.
In August 2023, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), held a National Summit to affirm the country's commitment to the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing initiative. The summit emphasized the need for effective actions and multi-sectoral partnerships to promote healthy aging across Nigeria.
While the NSCC's efforts are a step in the right direction, the challenges of aging in Nigeria remain significant. Sustainable change will require continued leadership, investment in human capital, and collective efforts from various stakeholders. As Nigeria's geriatric population grows, a multi-faceted, intersectional approach is crucial for building a healthier future for its elderly citizens.
References:https://data.who.int/countries/566
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/23/death-on-duty-nigerian-doctors-blame- continued-exodus-on-state-negligence
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/health/invisible-victims-nigerias-elderly-battle-rising- health-challenges/
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https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/62/9/1243/6661277
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