Skip to content
Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Challenges of Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: Urgent Action for Health System that Protects Everyone

Emmanuel Ebuka Abonyi, Patrick Ifechukwu Oliorah, Blessing Chisom Onyemelukwe, Kenneth Nnaedozie Ideh, Justin Chinazor Ndenojuo, Judith Obiageli Obanwudeh

Journal of Scientific Research and Reports · pp. 142–147 · Published 10 Sep 2022

10.9734/jsrr/2022/v28i1030566

Abstract

The declaration of universal health coverage (UHC) as a sustainable development goal (SDG), in 2015 was a global resolution to building a world free of diseases and disease-related deaths. The goal is in tandem with many other work frames of the United Nations under the chaperone of the World health organization to create a healthier society. Hence, every country under the United Nations agreed to pursue this mission as part of the UN’s sustainable development goals, targeting 2030 as the project finish line. Improving health service coverage and health outcomes depends on the availability, accessibility, and capacity of the healthcare system and care providers to deliver quality and people-centred integrated care. In this regard, Nigeria has adopted several approaches to ensure the implementation of the UHC even amidst enormous challenges. This article has critically examined common but prominent factors beclouding the attainment of UHC, SDG in Nigeria. Key factors such as the primary healthcare system and health insurance schemes have been identified as major concerns while few recommendations have also been prescribed to improve the existing structures.

Universal health coverage health system Nigeria sustainable development goals United Nations World Health Organization

References (6)

  1. 1 Universal health coverage in Indonesia: concept, progress, and challenges [DOI]
  2. 2 Examining Inequities in Incidence of Catastrophic Health Expenditures on Different Healthcare Services and Health Facilities in Nigeria [DOI]
  3. 3 How tertiary hospitals can strengthen primary health care in Nigeria [DOI]
  4. 4 Examining the Financial Feasibility of Using a New Special Health Fund to Provide Universal Coverage for a Basic Maternal and Child Health Benefit Package in Nigeria [DOI]
  5. 5 National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria; Progress towards Universal Coverage [DOI]
  6. 6 Multiple Sources of Healthcare Delivery System and the Formal Recognized State Healthcare: The Bane of Nigeria Healthcare Development [DOI]

Cited by 3

Factors Influencing Primary Healthcare System in the Achievement of Universal Health Coverage in the WHO‐AFRO Region: An Integrative Review

Emmanuel O. Adesuyi, Opeoluwa O. Olabode, Oluwatosin C. Olarinde · Public Health Challenges · 2025

Showing 1 of 3 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.

Article metrics

Real usage data collected on this platform.

60

Page views

0

PDF downloads

49

Outbound clicks

3

Citations

Views over time

Views by country

Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".

Traffic sources

Referring site, by host.

Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.