By Patience Adejo and Saidat Azeez Saleh (Lead Writers) Mental health problems often stem from various challenges, including social issues related to loneliness or depression, environmental factors caused by stress, social exclusion, or exposure to violence, as well as psychological factors. In Plateau State, located in North Central Nigeria, an…

By Folakemi Ajala (Lead Writer) Breakthrough RESEARCH is the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) global flagship social and behavioural change (SBC) research and evaluation project. Implemented in Nigeria since 2019, Breakthrough RESEARCH Nigeria has significantly contributed to shaping the implementation and adaptation of USAID-funded SBC interventions in the country. …

By Bunmi Oyebanji Obot (Lead Writer) “The biggest stakeholder we are solving for in terms of quality (of care) is the patient.” — Ms Caroline Wanjiru Kihusa, Co-Founder, Still A Mum, at the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) in Cape Town, South Africa, 10th May 2023. From the 8th…

By Onyedikachi Ewe and Oluoma Omeje (Lead Writers) Maternal mental health is a critical yet often overlooked issue that effects the experience and quality of a woman’s health during the perinatal period — the period which includes pregnancy and up to two years following childbirth. Pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood…

By Misbahu El-Hamza and Bunmi Oyebanji Obot (Lead Writers) Routine immunisation (RI) plays a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality among children under five, as vaccine-preventable diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and pneumonia are among the leading causes of mortality of under-five children in developing countries like Nigeria. With…

By Misbahu El-Hamza and Dabri Ohanu Olohije Murjanatu Usman is a 35-year-old mother of eight living in Sauwa community in Argungu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi State. She is expecting her ninth child and receives antenatal care (ANC) at the Sauwa Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC). Murjanatu gave birth to…

Ibukun Oguntola and Dabri Ohanu Olohije (Lead Writers) The enactment of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act in May 2022 has been lauded as a giant step towards addressing barriers to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Aimed at bridging the gaps in the NHIS legislation, which it…

By Kenneth Ibe and Kemisola Agbaoye (Lead Writers) Primary healthcare is the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and is the first port of call for individuals and families seeking healthcare. Nigeria’s primary health care system is fraught with numerous challenges, one of the root causes of which is that…

By Oladimeji Solomon and Oko Sunday (Lead Writers) “Without good information, there can be no good policy or planning.” — Professor Eyitayo Lambo, Former Minister of Health (2003–2007) Strengthening health systems is critical for achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria and globally. …