The Role of Public Health Laws in Promoting Gender Equity and Addressing Health Disparities in Nigeria
Introduction
Gender inequality, at its core, reflects the deeply entrenched social norms and power dynamics that skew access to rights, resources, and opportunities across genders. For women and girls in Nigeria, this inequality is more than a theoretical concept; it is a daily reality rooted in cultural traditions and systemic barriers. Consider the journey of a rural woman in northern Nigeria who faces pregnancy without access to modern healthcare facilities. Her risks during childbirth are not just a function of biology but of an inequitable health system that prioritises some lives over others.
Health disparities compound this inequity. Defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as “differences in the health status of different groups of people,” these disparities are stark in Nigeria. Maternal mortality, for instance, is not just a statistic; it represents the loss of women who might have lived if prenatal care or emergency obstetrics were universally accessible. Addressing these challenges requires a recalibration of public health laws to prioritise reproductive healthcare, dismantle harmful cultural practices, and empower women economically and educationally.
Factors Limiting Health Equity in Nigeria
Nigeria’s complex tapestry of over 200 million people from diverse ethnic groups brings its own set of challenges. Socioeconomic disparities, cultural and religious beliefs, geographical isolation, and urban-rural divides shape health-seeking behaviours and access to care. Imagine a young mother in a remote village, hours away from the nearest health clinic. The decision to seek care is not just logistical but laden with cultural implications—who accompanies her, how her absence affects her family, and what judgment she may face upon her return.
Public health practitioners must navigate these nuances with sensitivity. To effect meaningful change, healthcare interventions must respect local traditions while advocating for equity. Engagement with community leaders and the integration of culturally appropriate practices can bridge gaps in access and perception, ensuring that healthcare reaches the underserved without alienating them.
Effects of Health Disparities in Nigeria
The ripple effects of health disparities are devastating. Consider maternal mortality. A pregnant woman in Nigeria’s rural areas faces overwhelming odds, with limited access to prenatal and postnatal care. Her risk of death during childbirth is not just a personal tragedy but a community loss, affecting her children’s future and the household’s economic stability.
Inadequate healthcare access leaves millions untreated, particularly in rural and underserved urban slums. Diseases go undiagnosed, preventable deaths occur, and the cycle of poverty deepens. Gender-based violence compounds these challenges. Women suffering from domestic or sexual violence often lack the resources or support systems to seek help. Economic disadvantages further marginalise them, as poor health limits workforce participation, reduces productivity, and perpetuates poverty.
National development is also on the line. High rates of morbidity and mortality weigh heavily on Nigeria’s economy. Reduced productivity and escalating healthcare costs hinder the nation’s ability to achieve its development goals, creating an urgent need to address these disparities.
Existing Health Laws and Gender Equity
Nigeria has taken significant steps to address health and gender inequities through legislation. The National Health Act (2014) lays a foundation for equitable access to health services, emphasising primary healthcare. In principle, this should provide a lifeline for marginalised groups, including women. However, the gap between policy and practice remains stark.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) offers a legal framework to combat gender-based violence, mandating healthcare providers to support victims. Similarly, the Child Rights Act (2003) and the HIV/AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act (2014) address health and welfare issues specific to vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Yet, these laws often falter in implementation. A woman fleeing domestic violence might theoretically be protected under the Violence Against Persons Act but faces societal stigma and limited access to shelters or legal recourse. For these laws to have their intended impact, enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened, and public awareness campaigns launched to educate citizens about their rights.
Recommendations for Achieving Gender Equity in Health
To close the gap between policy and reality, Nigeria must prioritise actionable strategies:
(a) Legal and Policy Reforms: Governments should create and enforce legal frameworks or policies that explicitly promote gender equity. For instance, ensuring that pregnant women and women with disabilities have guaranteed access to health services is not just aspirational but essential.
(b) Education and Awareness: Changing deeply rooted cultural perceptions requires targeted education campaigns. Imagine a series of radio programs in rural areas, where trusted community voices discuss the value of gender equity and the dangers of stigmatising women seeking care.
(c) Training and Capacity Building: Healthcare workers need tools to understand and address gender issues. Training programs can empower them to provide equitable and sensitive care, reducing biases that often deter women from seeking help.
(d) Accessible Healthcare Infrastructure: Rural clinics equipped with essential tools can transform health outcomes. Ensuring that healthcare infrastructure is robust and evenly distributed across the country is a critical step toward equity.
(e) Community Engagement: Engaging communities in designing health programs ensures that interventions address real needs. When community members are part of the decision-making process, they are more likely to support and sustain these initiatives.
Conclusion
Achieving health equity in Nigeria requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and individuals must collaborate to craft and execute policies that prioritise equity. Advocacy, workshops, and research must identify and address the root causes of disparities while evidence-based strategies guide implementation.
Public health laws must transcend mere documentation to actively dismantle systemic inequities. For example, by aligning national health policies with universal health coverage goals, Nigeria can make strides in reaching marginalised groups. Building infrastructure in rural areas and addressing social determinants of health are not just technical fixes but moral imperatives. By tackling these issues head-on, Nigeria can move closer to a future where health equity is not an aspiration but a reality for all.