Investing in Community Health Key to Northern Nigeria’s Development – Expert

The Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Health Budget Network, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, has said that increased investment in community health is critical to unlocking Northern Nigeria’s human capital potential and accelerating sustainable development.

Garba made the assertion during an exclusive interview on the Inside the Nigerian Health Sector with Racheal Abujah series, where he examined the health challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and the urgent need for stronger investment in primary healthcare.

According to him, Northern Nigeria continues to bear a disproportionate share of the country’s disease burden, with persistently high maternal and child mortality rates slowing human capital development across the region.

He noted that the North-West and North-East geopolitical zones record the country’s highest under-five mortality rates, while several northern states account for the largest population of zero-dose children who have not received routine immunisation.

Garba said poor access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and routine immunisation continued to expose women and children to preventable illnesses and deaths.

He also expressed concern over the high level of out-of-pocket healthcare spending, saying it was pushing many families deeper into poverty and limiting access to essential healthcare services.

The health expert identified weak primary healthcare systems, shortages of skilled health workers and inadequate public investment as major factors widening health inequalities across Northern Nigeria.

He stressed that improving community health would not only enhance health outcomes but also strengthen education, productivity, economic growth and overall national development.

“Investing in community health is investing in the future of Northern Nigeria,” Garba said.

The interview forms part of the Inside the Nigerian Health Sector with Racheal Abujah series, which highlights evidence-based discussions on public health issues and health sector reforms.

Speaking on the objective of the series, Abujah said informed communities were better positioned to make sound health decisions, adding that evidence-based conversations could influence policies capable of improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.

She expressed appreciation to Garba for sharing his perspectives on strengthening community health systems and promoting equitable access to healthcare.