Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanisation, and its urban population has surpassed 50%, overtaking the rural population. However, more than half of urban residents live in urban slums, where living conditions are very poor and access to essential life-saving services is limited. The consequences of these issues on health and wellbeing cannot be overstated.
In response to the emerging urban crisis in Nigeria, the CHORUS Urban Health Consortium and the University of Nigeria’s Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) have continued partnering with Nigerian health authorities to prioritise healthcare in urban settings. This effort has led to a growing focus on urban slums. For example, in one Nigerian state, support was given to establish an Urban Health Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Below are downloadable posters that showcase some of the progress made in urban health across Nigeria, with support from CHORUS and HPRG.
1. Scoping review of multisectoral actions and priorities for enhanced prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases in Anglophone Africa
Maureen Nwokorie and colleagues have identified the roles of non-health sectors in addressing disease prevention and improving health outcomes. They identified progress and gaps in the relationships between the health and non-health sectors in addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Download poster here
2. Patent Medicine Vendors’ Perspectives on the Role of Support in Implementing a Multi-Component Intervention in Urban Slums of Nigeria
Iheomimichineke Ojiakor and colleagues report on the need to support patent medicine vendors (PMVs) in urban slum communities to remain compliant with ethical practices and contribute meaningfully to the health of urban slum residents.
Download poster here
3. Mainstreaming health in all sectors to address priority communicable and non-communicable diseases in urban areas in Enugu State, Nigeria: a political economy analysis
Ugenyi Iloabachie and colleagues use empirical evidence to demonstrate how the Health in All Policies (HiAP) is making progress in responding to urban health needs in Nigeria.
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Our team wishes everyone a nice time at the 21st Annual International Conference on Urban Health (ICUH 2025), hosted by the International Society for Urban Health. We look forward to outputs from this conference, emphasising how we can all build healthier, more resilient cities that prioritise sustainability and wellbeing for all.
