A new report reveals that Nigeria’s average life expectancy remains significantly below the global average, highlighting persistent health challenges amid economic growth. The 2024 State of the Nation Report, released by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, indicates that Nigerians can expect to live an average of 54.6 years, compared to the global average of 73.3 years.
The report, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), attributes the lower life expectancy to a combination of factors, including prevalent communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. While women in Nigeria have a slightly higher life expectancy than men (54.9 years versus 54.3 years), this mirrors global trends.
Despite a growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the report underscores the uneven distribution of wealth, with 63 percent of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. This poverty, coupled with limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, significantly impacts health outcomes.
The report also highlights a high fertility rate, especially in rural regions, and rapid urbanisation, which puts strain on infrastructure and contributes to the growth of informal settlements. Young people, particularly young women, face high unemployment rates, further exacerbating socio-economic disparities and negatively affecting health.
The report calls for increased investment in healthcare and public health initiatives to address these challenges and improve the overall health and well-being of Nigerians. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s health status, informing policymakers and stakeholders in their efforts to enhance health outcomes.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
