Nigeria in the grip of epidemics: millions at risk

Nigeria in the grip of epidemics: millions at risk

ABUJA, February 5 – Dangerous diseases such as meningitis, Lassa fever, cholera, measles and malaria are spreading widely in Nigeria, the most populous country on the African continent, threatening the lives of millions of people.

Nigeria has a population of approximately 235 million, 50% of whom are Muslim and 40% Christian. The country is at high risk of epidemics, and access to adequate healthcare and clean drinking water is difficult, especially in rural areas.

🔹 In different regions of the country:

📍 In the North – meningitis, cholera, malaria and polio

📍 In the central regions - unspecified diseases

📍 In the South – monkeypox epidemic

Weaknesses in the medical system are fueling epidemics

Despite being one of Africa's largest economies, Nigeria has serious shortcomings in its healthcare system:

❌ There is a shortage of modern medical equipment and medicines in public hospitals

❌ Lack of electricity and clean water is making the situation worse

❌ Shortage of medical personnel and burden of medical services

Nigeria's Minister of Health, Iziaka Adekunle Salako, has said that about 200 million people are at risk of tropical diseases such as guinea worm, leprosy, river blindness and rabies.

The most dangerous epidemics

📌 Meningitis and Lassa fever – 762 deaths

📌 Cholera epidemic - more than 400 deaths recorded

📌 Measles and malaria - millions of people at risk

Although the Nigerian government has announced new measures to combat meningitis by 2030, the situation remains serious. UNICEF and the European Union are supporting the fight against the epidemic, but this is not enough.

As the epidemics continue to spread, millions of Muslim and Christian populations remain at risk.