By Magnus Ayoka
Nigeria’s healthcare system, long plagued by various challenges, now faces a new and dire predicament as the agency charged with regulating, promoting and enforcing environmental health regulations have seen its funding cut off by the government. The federal government’s decision to cut off funding threatens not only the Council’s operations but the very foundation of Nigeria’s preventive health system.
According to WHO over 70% of the diseases that causes hospitalization in Nigeria are not just preventable but also environmental related. This clearly re-echoes the huge importance of environmental health regulation in Nigeria.
Preventive health measures are essential in any country’s public health strategy, often serving as the first line of defense against epidemics and other health crises. Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), established by Act 11 of 2002 as amended is Nigeria’s primary body overseeing environmental health regulations and a wide range of activities that prevent the spread of diseases.
In 2014 during the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, Environmental health officers played a vital role in the fight against this virus. They were visibly present across the country, decontaminating areas with cases of the outbreak.
Also, in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, the role of environmental health officers who are regulated by the Council can not be overemphasized. These officers risks their lives combating this outbreak. They were deployed to all entry boarders including airports, sea ports and land borders. Most importantly, the regulators of these profession were also at the field carrying out internal and external decontamination of premises to prevent further spread of the virus. In fact, EHCON has played an indispensable role in curbing outbreaks of diseases in Nigeria.
Despite limited resources, the Council has worked to improve public health awareness, promote healthy practices, and collaborate with other agencies to address issues affecting environmental health. Without the Council’s interventions in addition to its effective regulation of the practices of environmental health, Nigeria could face a significant increase in preventable diseases, putting an additional burden on an already overstretched healthcare system.
The federal government’s decision to defund EHCON has sent shockwaves through the health sector. Already struggling with underfunding and lack of resources, the Council now faces the prospect of halting many of its critical activities. This defunding move has raised questions about the government’s commitment to preventive health and sparked concerns over the long-term health implications for Nigerian citizens.
The ramifications of defunding EHCON could be disastrous. Without adequate funding, the Council may be forced to cut down on monitoring and enforcement activities, allowing environmental health hazards to proliferate.
The collapse of a preventive health system would have wide-reaching consequences, not only for individuals but for the country as a whole. If EHCON is unable to enforce regulations or promote environmental health practices, Nigeria could see:
I. Overloaded Healthcare System: With more cases of preventable diseases, Nigeria’s healthcare facilities which are already struggling to meet demand could become overwhelmed. Hospitals may not be able to accommodate the influx of patients, leading to a decline in the quality of care and potentially higher mortality rates.
II. Economic Impact: As diseases spread and healthcare costs rise, the financial burden on both the government and individuals would escalate. Poor health reduces productivity, which in turn affects the country’s economy. The costs associated with treating preventable diseases are far higher than those of implementing preventive measures.
The defunding of EHCON is a call for immediate action. While budgetary constraints are a reality, cutting funds from preventive health initiatives could have irreversible effects. For Nigeria to protect the health of its citizens, a robust environmental health framework must be prioritized. This means not only restoring EHCON’s funding but also exploring sustainable strategies to ensure the Council can continue its work effectively.
The defunding of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria is a stark reminder of the delicate balance within Nigeria’s public health system. Preventive health measures are not a luxury but a necessity. The government must reconsider its decision and prioritize environmental health to avert a potential public health crisis. Investing in EHCON and ensuring its sustainability is an investment in the health, well-being, and future of Nigeria.
Magnus Ayoka is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja.
