AN APPRAISAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE IN RESPONSE TO PREVENTION TO PANDEMIC DISEASE IN NORTH WEST NIGERIA
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Evaluating the Implementation and Outcomes of Global Health Strategies for Pandemic Prevention in North West Nigeria
A REVIEW OF GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVES AIMED AT PREVENTING PANDEMIC DISEASES IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background of the study
The Global Health Initiative (GHI) seeks to improve the effectiveness and impact of all U.S. foreign health programs by promoting greater collaboration and coordination among different agencies, countries, and international organizations. This initiative comes at a highly opportune time. GHI is strategically positioned to leverage the goals of the Government of Nigeria (GON) and the Nigerian private sector, build on the successes of U.S. health aid efforts to date, and strengthen the strong partnerships that the U.S. maintains with other development partners (DPs) and donors (Zhong, 2020). The launch of the Global Health Initiative (GHI) is closely aligned with the development of the Government of Nigeria’s (GON) National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP) for the 2010 to 2015 period. The NSHDP outlines revised strategic goals, initiatives, and expected outcomes for improving maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH). This includes components such as routine immunization programs, health campaigns, reproductive health (RH), family planning (FP), nutrition, malaria control, and the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and other infectious and communicable diseases. Additionally, it focuses on the strengthening of health systems (HSS). The NSHDP is designed to serve as a comprehensive framework, ensuring that the various existing policies, plans, programs, and partnerships of the GON are effectively coordinated and harmonized (Ilesanmi and Afolabi, 2020). Through this alignment, the GHI aims to support the GON’s efforts to achieve its health objectives and improve overall public health outcomes across Nigeria. Although the Government of Nigeria (GON) has achieved some significant progress in expanding access to essential healthcare services, the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP) has expressed concerns regarding the relatively slow pace in meeting the targets set by Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4, 5, and 6 by the year 2015 (Wang, Zhou, and Liu, 2020). These goals are crucial as they focus on reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
Furthermore, research by Mustapha Adedokun and Abdullahi (2020) indicates that around 40% of pandemic diseases within a country may be linked to occupational exposure on a global scale. This highlights the significant role that workplace environments play in the transmission of infectious diseases. Furthermore, reports from Euro News and Ripples provide insights into the anticipated global infection rates for pandemic diseases, which are projected to be around 6%. In contrast, the expected infection rate in NORTH WEST Nigeria is estimated to be lower, at approximately 3% (Ilesanmi and Afolabi, 2020). These statistics underscore the importance of both national and international efforts to address pandemic diseases and the need for targeted interventions in specific regions, such as NORTH WESTNigeria, to mitigate the impact of such diseases on public health.
The rise in these cases may be due to the fact that a large number of pandemic illness patients do not exhibit symptoms. According to Li, Xv, and Yang (2020), the prevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Korea was reported to be 13.44%. An analysis of historical data on the spread of MERS, based on epidemiological records, indicates that the mortality rate among healthcare workers was 5.78% (Kim, 2017). The novel coronavirus, however, presents distinct challenges compared to previous infectious diseases due to its newness, high transmissibility, and significant fatality rate. To curb the spread of this pandemic, preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were introduced (Li, Xv, and Yang, 2020).
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established safety protocols aligned with the pandemic standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) [Li, Xv, and Yang, 2020]. Current data shows that pandemic diseases are primarily viral infections that spread through droplets and direct contact, rather than airborne transmission [Li, Xv, and Yang, 2020]. This explains the need for measures such as social distancing, environmental cleanliness, and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare facilities urgently require IPC equipment, including face masks, protective gloves, gowns, face shields, and respirators, in addition to the existing recommendations from health authorities [Ilesanmi and Afolabi, 2020; Li, Xv, and Yang, 2020].
Additionally, the United States Government (USG) works with Nigerian entities and various national and international development partners and donors to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations. The goal of the USG’s Global Health Initiative (GHI) in Nigeria is to build on existing partnerships to create a more effective healthcare delivery system that meets the needs of the Nigerian people. GHI utilizes established collaborations with the Government of Nepal (GON) and includes a range of partners, such as the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), commercial entities, and development partners, including other donors, international organizations, and U.S. and technical organizations. Improving country ownership, supported by the Government of Nigeria (GON) and the private sector, with technical support, policy discussions, financial aid, and other assistance from GHI and development partners, will enhance health outcomes for young girls during pregnancy, women of reproductive age, newborns, children under five, as well as families and young men who are experiencing or at high risk of malaria, HIV/AIDS, and TB. As a result, the researcher intends to assess how the Global Health Initiative addresses pandemic disease prevention in North West Nigeria.
Statement of the problem
Addressing global health initiatives and preventing pandemic diseases in Nigeria, as well as in other regions, presents a complex array of challenges. In Nigeria, these challenges are particularly evident in the healthcare infrastructure. The country faces issues such as a limited number of medical facilities, inadequately equipped healthcare centers, and a significant shortage of healthcare personnel (Ilesanmi and Afolabi, 2020). These factors collectively hinder the ability to effectively respond to and manage health emergencies. Moreover, there may be a widespread lack of awareness and understanding among the general population regarding the critical importance of preventive measures and vaccinations. Effective public health education is essential in addressing this gap; it plays a crucial role in changing health-related behaviors and advocating for practices that can significantly reduce the transmission of diseases (Ilesanmi and Afolabi, 2020). By improving knowledge and promoting preventive measures, public health education can help to mitigate the impact of pandemic illnesses and enhance overall health outcomes.
Nigeria, similar to many other countries, faces challenges related to vaccine hesitancy. This reluctance to embrace vaccinations can stem from several factors, including the spread of misinformation, a lack of trust in the healthcare system, and adherence to cultural or traditional beliefs that may be skeptical of modern medical practices. Such barriers can significantly impact the effectiveness of vaccination programs, which are crucial for controlling and preventing the spread of pandemic diseases. In light of these challenges, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of the Global Health Initiative’s efforts and strategies in North West Nigeria, specifically focusing on their approach to preventing pandemic diseases. This assessment aims to identify gaps, improve strategies, and enhance the overall effectiveness of vaccination and public health efforts in the region.
1.3 Objective of the study
The primary goal of the study is to evaluate the Global Health Initiative’s response to preventing pandemic diseases in North West Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To identify the different global health initiatives aimed at preventing pandemic diseases in North West Nigeria.
- To assess the extent to which these global health initiatives are accepted and embraced in North West Nigeria.
- To investigate the challenges faced in implementing these global health initiatives in the context of preventing pandemic diseases in North West Nigeria.
1.5 Significance of the study
A Global Health Initiative (GHI) in Nigeria, as in any country, is essential for managing and preventing pandemic diseases. The significance of this study is highlighted in several key areas:
Disease Surveillance and Early Detection: GHIs typically focus on enhancing healthcare systems to improve disease surveillance and early detection capabilities. This allows for the swift identification of potential outbreaks and the implementation of timely interventions to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
Vaccination Programs: GHIs play a crucial role in supporting vaccination campaigns, which help safeguard communities from preventable diseases. Effective vaccination not only protects individuals but also supports global efforts toward achieving herd immunity and reducing the incidence of disease.
Emergency Response and Preparedness: GHIs aid in the development of comprehensive emergency response plans and preparedness strategies. This includes measures such as stockpiling essential medical supplies, setting up emergency response teams, and conducting drills to ensure a prompt and effective reaction during a pandemic.
Academic Contributions: The study will be valuable to the academic community by contributing new insights and expanding the existing body of literature on global health initiatives. This can further inform research and discussions on improving health response strategies and pandemic prevention efforts.
1.6 Scope of the study
The study focuses on evaluating the Global Health Initiative’s (GHI) effectiveness in preventing pandemic diseases specifically in North West Nigeria. It aims to achieve several key objectives:
The research will catalog and analyze the various global health initiatives implemented to prevent pandemic diseases in North West Nigeria. This includes examining the scope and nature of these initiatives and how they are tailored to the region’s specific needs.
Additionally, the study will evaluate the level of acceptance of these global health initiatives among the local population in North West Nigeria. This involves understanding the community’s willingness to engage with and adhere to the preventive measures and programs promoted by the initiatives.
Furthermore, the research will investigate the obstacles and difficulties encountered during the implementation of these global health initiatives. By identifying these challenges, the study aims to provide insights into how they can be addressed to improve the effectiveness of the initiatives in preventing pandemic diseases.
The scope of the study is specifically limited to North West Nigeria, focusing on the region’s unique context and challenges. This localized approach allows for a detailed analysis of the impact and effectiveness of global health initiatives in this particular area.
1.7 Limitation of the study
As is common in many research endeavors, the researchers encountered several constraints during the study. One significant challenge was insufficient funding, which impacted their ability to obtain essential materials, access relevant literature, and gather comprehensive information. This limitation also affected the data collection process, which relied on various methods such as internet research, distributing questionnaires, and conducting interviews. Due to these financial constraints, the researcher had to opt for a more modest sample size to manage costs and resources effectively.
Furthermore, the researcher is undertaking this study concurrently with other academic responsibilities. Balancing multiple commitments means that the time available for this research is limited. The dual focus on various academic tasks further restricts the time allocated for conducting the study, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. These combined factors—funding limitations and time constraints due to simultaneous academic obligations—have influenced the overall scope and depth of the research.