Strengthening health education component of health care delivery system for the achievement of health for all Nigerians

Abstract

Globally, a vast number of people are dying of preventable and curable diseases. In developing countries, levels of morbidity and mortality remain high as a result of malnutrition, infections and multiple pregnancies against the background of generally poor health knowledge. In May 1977, the 30th World Health Assembly met in Alma-Ata USSR and deliberated on the health problems of the world, especially that of developing countries where the focus of health system was on curative than preventive. It was resolved that, the main social target by the end of 20th century should be "Health for All" by the year 2000, using Primary Health Care approach for its achievement. The Alma-Ata conference directed governments of all nations to formulate national policies to sustain Primary Health Care as part of National Health System. Therefore, Nigerian Government committed huge human and material resources to the achievement of Health For All [HFA] but today not all Nigerians can be said to be healthy. Therefore, certain constraints that are responsible for the failure to achieve Health For All must be realistically tackled in an effort to improve the country’s Health System for the achievement of the set goal. This paper examined health status of Nigerian population, health care delivery system, measures for strengthening health education and strategics for effective delivery of health education. It was recommended that, preventive measure aspect of the nation’s health system in which health education will feature prominently should be emphasised.