A new report reveals that every Nigerian state is unprepared to address, prevent or mitigate a health emergency.
The report, published on Tuesday by SB Morgen, an African intelligence-gathering firm, shows that all 36 states scored below 40 points, the minimum threshold for preparedness out of 100 points.
This report ranks the states’ preparedness using metrics such as health budget per capita, average household size, human development index, doctor-to-population ratio, infant/child mortality rate and life expectancy at birth.
It also considers immunisation coverage for babies aged 12–35 months across the 36 states.
According to the report, Lagos ranks highest in Nigeria on the Health Preparedness Index (HPI) with 25.09 points, a failing score. Yobe ranks lowest with 11.83 points, but both states remain in the same category.
“Certain factors are weighted more heavily in calculating the HPI. The state’s health budget per capita and the percentage of the total budget allocated to health each carry a weight of 10 points,” the report states.
“The doctor-to-patient ratio carries the highest weight of 30 points, followed by infant mortality at 25 points. Household size is also considered, though with a lower weight of 5 points.
“Despite some improvements in health budget allocations across various states, Nigeria’s overall health landscape remains concerning. Many states continue to struggle with worsening health challenges exacerbated by insufficient infrastructural development.”
The report emphasises the urgent need for sustained, strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and service delivery across all states to enhance Nigeria’s overall health preparedness.
It further reveals that although health budget allocations increased in 30 states between 2021 and 2023, they still fall short of the Health Preparedness Index.
FIJ’s check into the health budget allocations in one state from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones shows that at least N13 billion was allocated to the health sector by those states.
In its 2024 budget, the Lagos State government allocated N162 billion to health. Kano, which scored 14.61 on the HPI, allocated N72 billion.
Delta State, in the South-South, set aside N18.65 billion for health projects in 2024 but scored 20.78 points on the HPI.
In the North Central, Kwara allocated N32.34 billion for health but scored 20.46 on the index. Adamawa, in the North East, ranked among the seven least prepared states, scoring 13.22 points despite allocating N13 billion to health.
Abia State, in the South East, ranks among the top nine states with a score of 20.97. It allocated N85 billion to health.
