Nigeria & Diaspora
Nigeria is expected to reach 300 million people by 2036, exceeding the population of the United States by 2050, with an estimated 206 million people as of 2019 (1 in 5 Africans). Providing and delivering high-quality healthcare to such a vast population has always been difficult, and the Covid 19 pandemic has made things much more difficult. Even the most advanced healthcare systems have been tested by the epidemic, which poses a threat to world healthcare. The pandemic has exposed flaws in these healthcare systems in numerous low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, and plunged a faltering health sector into crisis. The WHO estimates that Nigeria has the lowest physician to patient ratios worldwide, with 0.4 doctors per 1000 people, 1.5 nurses per 1000 people, and 0.1 community health workers per 1000 people.
Our goal was to give every health worker we could reach reusable face shields and masks. We chose a few locally created prototypes to test, working with engineers, textile producers, and health professionals. These were then given production and distribution orders. The team produced over 14,000 face shields and over 10,000 face masks in a short amount of time, distributing them to frontline workers around the nation. Healthcare professionals have overwhelmingly given positive feedback. After that, we started a series of monthly educational.
“Diaspora doctors are not just healers; they are bridges between nations, linking the expertise of their adopted homes with the needs of their countries of origin. Their commitment to improving healthcare in Africa embodies the spirit of global citizenship and solidarity.”
As the pandemic entered its post-peak phase, it was time to consider how our organisation could help solve the flaws in our healthcare systems. In order to reflect the group’s broader interests, a new organisation called the Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF) was established. This would be done by suggesting realistic solutions that may be made possible with the right engagement with governments and policy makers.
One of the major obstacles to the development of appropriate healthcare in the nation has been the ‘brain drain’ of qualified doctors that has occurred across the nation over the past 20 years. The post-pandemic policy changes in several western nations that have made it easier for doctors to migrate into service positions and training roles with the goal of improving their own healthcare systems are aggravating this situation. Poor postgraduate training possibilities and low pay have further lowered the already low morale of qualified doctors.
Due to the current low morale among qualified doctors and the inadequate postgraduate training opportunities and pay packages, which all act as driving forces for brain drain, there are insufficient healthcare professionals in all states, including Kaduna State.
