ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE APRIL 2024

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
The Essence of World Health Day
World Health Day is more than just a
date on the calendar; it symbolises
a moment of reflection on the
prevailing health challenges
worldwide and the progress made
in addressing them. It unites
stakeholders from various sectors to
advocate for sustainable health
policies and practices, fostering
collaboration towards better health
outcomes.
2024 Focus: Global Action for
Universal Health
In 2024, the theme for World Health
Day emphasises the urgent need
for universal health coverage,
ensuring that everyone, regardless
of their circumstances, can access
essential health services without
financial hardship. This call to action
aims to bridge global health equity,
access, and quality gaps.
Objectives of World Health Day
2024:
• Advocate for Universal Health
Coverage: Emphasise the
necessity of accessible,
affordable, and high-quality
health care services for all
individuals, regardless of
geographical location or socioeconomic
status.
• Promote Health Equity: Address
disparities in health access and
outcomes, particularly among
marginalised populations, to
ensure everyone has an equal
opportunity to lead a healthy life.
• Encourage Healthy Behaviours:
Raise awareness and promote
the adoption of healthy lifestyles
to prevent diseases and enhance
overall well-being, contributing to
a healthier global population.
• Strengthen Health Systems:
Support the development of
robust and resilient health
systems capable of effectively
addressing existing health
challenges and emerging crises.
Aligning with Sustainable
Development Goals
Celebrating World Health Day aligns
with the broader agenda of
Sustainable Development Goal 3:
Good Health and Well-being. It
underscores the vital role of health
in building prosperous and
sustainable societies, emphasising
its inter-connectedness with other
sustainable development
objectives, such as reducing
inequalities and fostering
meaningful partnerships for global
health improvement.
Can Nigeria Become A Medical
Tourism Hub?
As the global health care landscape
evolves, countries are exploring
opportunities to enhance their
medical tourism sector. With
growing health care infrastructure
and services investments, the
question arises: Can Nigeria
become a medical tourism hub?
Accomplish Magazine delves into
the current state of medical tourism
in Nigeria, assessing the factors
influencing its potential as a key
destination, and exploring the
challenges and opportunities
ahead.
The Current State of Medical
Tourism in Nigeria
Nigeria has significantly developed
its health care infrastructure,
attracting patients from
neighbouring countries for
specialised treatments. Top-tier
hospitals and medical facilities in
cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port
Harcourt and Enugu offer various
medical services, including
cardiology, oncology, and
orthopaedics. However, the
country's medical tourism sector is
still nascent, facing stiff competition
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
from established hubs like India,
Singapore, and Thailand.
The country is committed to
addressing the issue of health care
brain drain by establishing cuttingedge
health care infrastructure. This
move aims to reduce the need for
Nigerians to seek medical attention
abroad, thereby conserving foreign
currency reserves and fostering
employment opportunities. The
concern arises from statistics
indicating that Nigerians spend a
significant annual sum, ranging
from $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion, on
medical trips overseas.
Medical Expertise
Nigerian doctors and specialists are
well-regarded internationally for
their skills and expertise in various
medical fields. Many have been
trained in prestigious institutions
worldwide, bringing back invaluable
experience and knowledge.
Advanced Facilities: Several
world-class hospitals and clinics
have state-of-the-art technology
and facilities in major Nigerian cities.
These facilities adhere to
international standards and offer
various medical services.
Efforts to Tackle Health Care Brain
Drain
Nigeria has a rich pool of highly
skilled health care professionals
trained in esteemed institutions
globally. This ensures top-notch
medical services for those seeking
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