Every country is guided by policies. These are simply the rules and plans governments make to shape how things work.
In healthcare, strong policies mean people can access care when they need it, while weak ones leave gaps that impact everyday life. Public health is not only about doctors and hospitals. It is also about the systems and rules that help people stay healthy.
Importantly, it relies on individuals and communities playing active roles—by advocating for better services, participating in health programs, and holding policymakers accountable.
In Nigeria, many policies exist but are not always put into practice. This is why hospitals can be poorly equipped, health workers are often in short supply, and funding for healthcare is never sufficient. Still, Nigeria has shown that progress is possible.
During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the country successfully halted the spread through strong coordination and community engagement.
In 2020, Nigeria was declared polio-free after decades of hard work supported by public awareness and local participation.
These moments prove that when policies, funding, communities, and individual actions align, the health system can deliver.
Healthcare in Nigeria runs at three levels. Local governments handle primary care, states oversee secondary care, and the federal government manages tertiary care.
Private providers also play a role. But these levels do not always link well, leaving patients stranded in the system. But individuals and communities advocating for better linkages and services help bridge these gaps.
One reform already changing things is health insurance. The old National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has now become the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
This law is active today and aims to move Nigeria closer to universal health coverage.
It makes health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents, with special support for the poor and vulnerable. If fully carried out, it could transform access to care for millions.
Health policy is not only about laws or money. It is also about people. Too often, decisions are made without listening to communities.
Advocacy is the root of public health—it empowers individuals and communities to raise their voices, influence decisions, and ensure policies reflect their needs.
Other countries have demonstrated that involving citizens in health debates strengthens policies.
Nigeria, too, can benefit from opening up more spaces where ordinary voices help shape reforms.
In the end, health policy is what decides if a child gets vaccinated, if a mother survives childbirth, or if a sick person can afford life-saving drugs.
Nigeria has already demonstrated its ability to rise to big challenges. The next step is making that success part of everyday reality through continuous advocacy, community participation, and individual responsibility.
Will we rise to the challenge now to secure a healthier future for ourselves and future generations?
By: Sharafadeen Maryam AND Kafilah Omobolanle
About: Research Interns, Cytobiz Medical and Innovation Hub
