Daud Olatunji
Lagos State has emerged as the top-performing state in Nigeria’s Health Preparedness Index (HPI) for 2024, according to the latest report by SB Morgen Intelligence.
Scoring 25.09 points, Lagos maintains its leading position, underscoring its robust health infrastructure and strategic initiatives aimed at combating future health crises.
Following closely behind is Ogun State, which significantly improved from 4th place in 2021 to 2nd place in 2023, securing 23.23 points.
Ekiti State also made substantial progress, climbing from 13th to 3rd place with a score of 23.04 points.
This upward trajectory reflects a concerted effort across these states to enhance health systems through increased budgetary allocations and targeted health interventions.
The HPI report evaluates states based on various critical indicators, including health budget per capita, doctor-to-population ratio, infant mortality rate, and immunization coverage among children.
Lagos and Ogun’s success highlights their prioritization of these factors, ensuring better healthcare access and outcomes for their populations.
In contrast, states in the northern region continue to face significant health challenges, with scores as low as 11.83 points for Yobe State.
These disparities underscore the need for nationwide efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve service delivery, particularly in underserved areas.
The report also emphasizes the disparities in health budget allocations across states.
While states like Cross River and Kaduna allocate substantial percentages to health (22.1% and 15.8% respectively), others lag behind with minimal allocations, highlighting the need for more equitable distribution of healthcare resources nationwide.
“With under-five mortality rates and maternal deaths still posing challenges, the report stresses the urgency of sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure and human resources,” noted SB Morgen Intelligence.
Addressing these issues comprehensively is crucial for Nigeria to bolster its overall health resilience and better prepare for future health emergencies.
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