# HPRG UNN > Health Policy Research Group UNN ## Posts - [Unsafe Cities, Unhealthy Lives: Health Cost of Crime and Why Safer Cities Mean Healthier Nigerians](https://hprgunn.com/unsafe-cities-unhealthy-lives-health-cost-of-crime-and-why-safer-cities-mean-healthier-nigerians/): “People with high blood pressure are many. At times, there will be screams and trembling, and everyone will be running. Some will be shocked and too scared, and some will run so fast that they exceed their capacity. And then, they develop high blood pressure, heart attacks and even stroke […]” – Excerpt from a male respondent’s narrative in southern Nigeria, taking part in the Urban Crime & Health Project Recent mass killings in Nigeria have mainly taken place in rural regions. Examples include the Woro killings in Kwara State and the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, each resulting in […] - [Can Capitalism Deliver Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria? The Dilemma of Private Sector Influence on Healthcare](https://hprgunn.com/can-capitalism-deliver-universal-health-coverage-in-nigeria-the-dilemma-of-private-sector-influence-on-health/): By Zoe Hughes Chronic underfunding, weak implementation, and persistent governance challenges in Nigeria’s public health system are the core concerns that have led to the dominance of the private sector. It is estimated that up to 70% of healthcare services in Nigeria are delivered by the private sector. However, the extent to which private-sector-led service delivery supports the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—particularly in ensuring affordable and quality care—remains contested. This concern largely stems from the sector’s inherently profit-driven orientation. In this blog, I discuss the tension between private health providers making profits and, at the same time, providing […] - [Is health truly the business of all sectors in Nigeria? (Video)](https://hprgunn.com/is-health-truly-the-business-of-all-sectors-in-nigeria-video/): Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative to eliminate blackouts in health facilities. The initiative aims to integrate health concerns into the Ministry of Power’s strategic agenda. Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria formed an inter-ministerial committee, with each Ministry leveraging its strengths to manage the pandemic and its impacts. Scholars note that the COVID-19 era highlighted Nigeria’s capacity to adopt a deliberate, multisectoral approach to protect and promote citizens’ health. Although Nigeria has shown the capacity to bring together various sectors to pursue a shared health goal, significant gaps persist. For example, recent […] - [Hope for quality healthcare in slums: Inside the CHORUS Urban Health Project in Nigerian cities (Video)](https://hprgunn.com/hope-for-quality-healthcare-in-slums-inside-the-chorus-urban-health-project-in-nigerian-cities-video/): Over half of Nigeria’s urban population lives in slums, commonly called “ghettos”. These areas are home to society’s poorest and are characterised by poor hygiene and crime. It is encouraging to see slums gaining attention in health discussions, with the emphasis that slum residents deserve unrestricted access to quality healthcare as a fundamental human right. Recognising this, the CHORUS Urban Health Consortium, active in Bangladesh, Ghana, Nepal, and Nigeria, is working to strengthen resilient health systems to handle the rapid urban population growth in these countries. Nigeria’s urban population is growing by 4% annually and could reach 265 million by […] - [HPRG’s Health Sector 2025 Roundup: Evidence, Knowledge, & Politics of Reforms](https://hprgunn.com/hprgs-health-sector-2025-roundup-evidence-knowledge-politics/): December 2025 This 2025 Nigeria’s Health Sector Roundup by the Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) at the University of Nigeria, offers commendation, hope, and guidance as we head into 2026. We build on the 2023 and 2024 roundups, which emphasised: (a) strengthening health systems through the use of evidence, (b) pruning the informal health space, (c) fighting health corruption, (d) prioritising vulnerable groups and the poor, and (e) tackling inefficiencies that diminish the value of health investments. Indeed, the Nigerian health authorities have achieved some progress in tackling these issues. Nevertheless, more focused and vigorous efforts remain crucial. To support […] - [How urban health is evolving in Nigeria with support from CHORUS: ICUH Posters from Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/how-urban-health-is-evolving-in-nigeria-with-support-from-chorus-icuh-posters-from-nigeria/): 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 […] - [Enugu State establishes Urban Health Unit following 5-year urban health research in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/enugu-state-establishes-urban-health-unit-following-5-year-urban-health-research-in-nigeria/): Strengthening regulatory mechanisms in the health sector is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII), a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. However, healthcare services in Nigerian urban slums are often substandard, primarily provided by informal healthcare providers (IHPs) that are poorly regulated or unregulated. These IHPs include patent medicine vendors (commonly called chemists), traditional birth attendants (TBAs), herbalists, and bone setters, among others. Unfortunately, because these slums are located within urban areas, they are often seen as enjoying urban privileges, which is why targeted health interventions for deprived locations focus […] - [Solutions to corruption in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/solutions-to-corruption-in-the-basic-health-care-provision-fund-bhcpf-for-primary-healthcare-facilities-in-nigeria/): By the Health Anti-Corruption Project Advisory Committee (HAPAC) The Health Anti-Corruption Project Advisory Committee (HAPAC) endorses the ‘Red Letter’ issued by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali Pate, which highlights corruption and its detrimental effects on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). In this blog, HAPAC shares its findings from an investigation into the BHCPF in some states in Nigeria, along with proposed anti-corruption strategies. We start by explaining the BHCPF to the public, helping them understand what it is and how corruption hinders access to healthcare at primary health centres (PHCs). The facts […] - [2025 Second Quarter Research Spotlight of the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/2025-second-quarter-research-spotlight-of-the-health-policy-research-group-university-of-nigeria/): The Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) at the University of Nigeria spotlights 13 studies for the second quarter of 2025. In this edition, we address key health systems and policy issues impacting Nigeria, including healthcare in urban slums, health communication, accountability in health systems, sexual and reproductive health, and health financing for the poor. Study 1: Inequities in household out-of-pocket spending among urban slum dwellers in southeast Nigeria Authors: Ozor, O., Nwokolo, C., de Siqueira Filha, N, Odii, A., Hicks, J., Li, S., Ezenwaka, U., Dawkins, B., and Onwujekwe, O Journal and year: International Journal of Public Health (2025) Central […] - [Misuse of antibiotics in Nigerian urban slums and how drug vendors (chemists) can help](https://hprgunn.com/misuse-of-antibiotics-in-nigerian-urban-slums-and-how-drug-vendors-chemists-can-help/): In urban slums across Nigeria, formal healthcare providers like the primary health facilities are characterised by poor patronage, often due to factors of high cost and inefficient service delivery. This has led to high patronage of patent medicine vendors (PMVs) or chemists, who are trusted by communities, accessible, and cost-friendly, yet often operating outside defined regulations of the formal health system. While PMVs fulfil an important role, their practice of selling antimicrobials, often called antibiotics, without a prescription raises serious concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when germs mutate and become resistant to medicines that would normally eliminate them, […] - [Tackling the problem of zero-dose and under-immunized children in Nigeria through multi-sectoral action: Who, How, and Why](https://hprgunn.com/tackling-the-problem-of-zero-dose-and-under-immunized-children-in-nigeria-through-multi-sectoral-action-who-how-and-why/): Children from 12 to 23 months old who have not received any vaccinations are referred to as ‘zero-dose’, with approximately 2.1 million such children residing in Nigeria, representing the highest figure globally. It’s crucial to administer essential vaccines, such as the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine (DPT1), before a child’s first birthday. These vaccines primarily protect Nigerian children from diseases that vaccines can effectively prevent, including diphtheria, polio, measles, pertussis, and rotavirus. Alarmingly, around 40% of child deaths in Nigeria before the age of five are attributed to vaccine-preventable illnesses. This high figure raises questions about the actions that must […] - [Stakeholders worry about the impact of urban crimes on achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/stakeholders-worry-about-the-impact-of-crime-on-achieving-universal-health-coverage-in-nigeria/): “Once it is dark, we rush home […] no power supply and no streetlights […] even if you are sick, you wait till it is daybreak, than to lose your life from attacks when it is dark. Also, when there are attacks, like when we were running away from marauders, a lot of people were injured and some broke their bones. That particular day was so terrible. And because the health workers were also scared, we had no place to run to for treatment. It was very terrible” [Excerpt from an interview with Community Leader] Nigeria is one of the […] - [Communiqué – National Policy Dialogue on School Health and Health Services for School-aged Children in Nigeria, Abuja, April 9 and 10, 2025](https://hprgunn.com/communique-national-policy-dialogue-on-school-health-and-health-services-for-school-aged-children-in-nigeria-abuja-april-9-and-10-2025/):   Following a two-year study on healthcare/health rights for school-aged children (5 to 17 years) and school health services in urban settlements in Nigeria, significant concerns have been raised regarding the health and safety of school children. The study was conducted by researchers from the Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) at the University of Nigeria and the Education & Society Division at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom, in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, and the Community-led Responsive and Effective Urban Health Systems (CHORUS). Findings from the […] - [Quarterly Research Spotlight from the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria (Covering January to March 2025)](https://hprgunn.com/quarterly-research-spotlight-from-the-health-policy-research-group-university-of-nigeria-covering-january-to-march-2025/): HPRG spotlights summaries of its 14 studies published between January and March 2025, showing how they can inform health policies in Nigeria. - [14 distinct papers from 6 scientific studies will feature at AfHEA 2025 by Health Policy Research Group](https://hprgunn.com/14-papers-from-6-scientific-studies-will-feature-at-afhea-2025-by-health-policy-research-group/): The African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) is back with an all-in-person scientific conference between March 10 and 14, 2025 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. Since 2009, AfHEA has continued to host this major and largest conference of health economics, systems, and policy experts across Africa. The last all-in-person conference was hosted in 2019. Also, since 2009, the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria (HPRG-UNN), among the founding members of AfHEA and a frontline health systems and policy institute in Africa, has consistently featured in AfHEA’s conferences. This year, over 12 studies from the research think-tank […] - [HPRG’s health sector 2024 roundup: Evidence, knowledge, politics](https://hprgunn.com/hprgs-health-sector-2024-roundup-evidence-knowledge-politics/): December 2024 The Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria (HPRG) has stayed optimistic about the ‘renewed hope’ agenda for Nigeria’s health sector. Our 2023 health sector roundup hailed the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII) as timely and well-positioned to radically improve the country’s health sector if well-funded and aggressively implemented. In a year now, our optimism has been energized by the subsequent operationalization of the HSRII in Nigeria’s Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) and the rallying of diverse health sector strategies around the HSRII. There is no doubt that this clear vision for the health sector in Nigeria […] - [Stakeholders reflect on the national survey that reports significant health sector corruption in Nigeria: a communique from the Health Anticorruption Advisory Committee (HAPAC)](https://hprgunn.com/stakeholders-reflect-on-the-national-survey-that-reports-significant-health-sector-corruption-in-nigeria-a-communique-from-the-health-anticorruption-advisory-committee-hapac/): In a 2016 published survey, of the 14 most significant problems faced by Nigerians, corruption was ranked in third place, while healthcare was in fifth position. In the second version of the survey published in 2019, healthcare and corruption switched positions. And in 2023, corruption ranked in fourth position, and healthcare fifth. Both corruption and healthcare have consistently remained problematic to Nigerians for decades. And one can only imagine what happens when the two problems intersect. Health corruption has been studied by the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria (HPRG) and the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) for about seven […] - [Child healthcare isn’t for infants and under-5 alone: communique from a policy dialogue on the health and health rights of urban school-aged children in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/child-healthcare-isnt-for-infants-and-under-5-alone-communique-from-a-policy-dialogue-on-the-health-and-health-rights-of-urban-school-aged-children-in-nigeria/): More than half of Nigeria’s over 200 million population are under the age of 18, and just about 29 percent of the over 100 million Nigerian children are under 5 years. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 comprise the larger share of Nigeria’s children population but are least catered to by the Nigeria’s health system that is more interested in the under-5s. As such, health rights of children between 5 and 17 years have remained threatened, calling for urgent attention. Supporting our assertion above is the evidence of demarcation between under-5 and school-aged children (5 – 17 years) […] - [Using scientific evidence to ensure value for investments in making vaccines available and impactful in Africa](https://hprgunn.com/scientific-evidence-to-ensure-value-for-investments-in-vaccines/):   Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in human history, and it is not just a medical duty but a moral responsibility to ensure that everyone has unrestricted access to vaccines.   Vaccines are central to healthy societies because they prevent illnesses and effectively curb the spread of communicable diseases. They help create antibodies to resist illnesses like measles, meningitis, polio, yellow fever, etc. Since 1796 when Dr Edward Jenner created the world’s first successful vaccine against cowpox, vaccines have continued to save lives, estimated annually by the World Health Organisation at 2.5 million lives, the majority of whom […] - [African Health Observatory calls for blogs on Climate change and health in Africa](https://hprgunn.com/african-health-observatory-calls-for-blogs-on-climate-change-and-health-in-africa/): The African Health Observatory – Platform on Health Systems and Policies (AHOP) is seeking to commission a blog series on climate change and health in Africa to supplement an upcoming policy brief on the subject. Policy Brief Summary AHOP is set to publish a policy brief on existing policies, frameworks, and strategies in Africa that mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on health systems. The policy brief summarises evidence on how climate change is affecting African health systems and assesses the strategies currently in place to mitigate these negative impacts. The brief synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed journal articles, grey […] - [Primary Health Centres in Nigeria are becoming responsive to boys’ sexual health: early success story of an ongoing intervention](https://hprgunn.com/primary-health-centres-in-nigeria-are-becoming-responsive-to-boys-sexual-health-early-success-story-of-an-ongoing-intervention/): By Joy Ozughalu, Irene Eze, & Chinyere Mbachu “In the quiet corners of Primary Healthcare Centres in these communities, where whispers sometimes replace bold requests, condoms find their way into the hands of rightful young seekers. The request was “Bulletproof” or if you like “Vitamin C” and the response – Condoms? Condoms serve as more than mere contraceptives—they symbolise a bridge between vulnerability and empowerment, health and illness. As health care workers continue in their roles with dedicated efforts, they remind us that sometimes, a playful nickname can change [saves] lives.”- Authors’ musings In one of the communities in Ebonyi […] - [Communique: Coalition speaks tough on health corruption and accountability problems in fulfilment of Nigeria’s health renewal plan](https://hprgunn.com/communique-coalition-speaks-tough-on-health-corruption-and-accountability-problems-in-fulfilment-of-nigerias-health-renewal-plan/): Nigeria’s health sector is on the path of restoring confidence of citizens in its health system. Under the present health leadership, the Health Sector Renewal Compact (HSRC) recognises the importance of accountability as the glue that should firmly hold and drive its social compact with Nigerian citizens. To achieve this, the current leadership must pay attention to cutting-edge evidence that identifies accountability gaps in the health system, their effects on health service delivery and uptake, and how they can be addressed. Stakeholders have been requested to support the current Nigerian health leadership’s vision of entrenching an accountable and transparent health […] - [Under 50% of Nigerian Medical Doctors Renewed Licence in 2023: Brain drain hits hard (Video)](https://hprgunn.com/under-50-of-nigerian-medical-doctors-renewed-licence-in-2023-brain-drain-hits-hard-video/): The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has reported that 58,000 of 130,000 licensed medical doctors in Nigeria renewed their licenses in 2023. This may be unsurprising, as studies reported that before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 80 percent of Nigerian medical doctors and above 50 percent of Nigerian nurses sought work abroad. At the end of 2023, 26,715 Nigerians were in the United Kingdom on health worker-related Visas – a 215 percent increase from 2022. It is also reported that over 110,000 Nigerian nurses are currently practising in the United States of America. This flight of health personnel from […] - [Survey results on sexual behaviours among secondary school students in Nigeria reveal surprising scales of sexual engagement](https://hprgunn.com/survey-results-on-sexual-behaviours-among-secondary-school-students-in-nigeria-reveal-surprising-scales-of-sexual-engagement/): By Angela Iwuagwu and Benjamin Uzochukwu “Researchers can be surprised at their data …” This was said by one of the authors of this blog, who due to Nigeria’s conservative cultural outlook, was surprised at how almost 50% of surveyed secondary school students affirmed sexual activeness. It was even more surprising that some of the sexually active secondary school students were involved in sexual intercourse with the same gender. In Nigeria, the typical age for secondary school students should be between 10 and 18 years. Those within this age bracket are considered to be adolescents. It is an age of […] - [Over 7 years of Health Sector Corruption Research Births Coalition for Accountability and Anticorruption in Nigeria's Health Sector (Video)](https://hprgunn.com/over-7-years-of-health-sector-corruption-research-births-coalition-for-accountability-and-anticorruption-in-nigerias-health-sector-video/): HPRG Media    The health sector leadership in Nigeria is keen on ensuring an accountable and transparent health system that is patient-centered and resonates with the well-being of health providers. Stakeholders have been invited to support this ambition. In response to this invitation, a coalition of health anticorruption scholars, policymakers, civil society, and health and media practitioners has been established – The Health Anticorruption Project Advisory Committee (HAPAC). This coalition is birthed by over seven years of research on accountability and corruption in health.     Acknowledgment Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria (HPRG) Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria (BUK) […] - [Is weak governance and lack of accountability fuelling the cholera epidemic in Southern Africa?](https://hprgunn.com/is-weak-governance-and-lack-of-accountability-fuelling-the-cholera-epidemic-in-southern-africa/): By Dorothy Chisare Southern Africa is facing a severe and preventable cholera epidemic affecting 13 countries. Originating in Malawi’s Machinga District in March 2022, it rapidly spread to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique by February 2023. While cholera is a waterborne disease that can strike any community, the severity and persistence of the epidemic raises concerns about deeper systemic issues. This blog presents insights on often overlooked factors – weak governance and inadequate accountability structures, as critical contributors to the recurring cholera crisis in Southern Africa. What should be known about the cholera crisis in the southern region of […] - [Implications of fuel subsidy removal on achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/implications-of-fuel-subsidy-removal-on-achieving-universal-health-coverage-in-nigeria/): By Professor BSC Uzochukwu   Over the years, the government has provided financial support to maintain artificially low prices for petroleum products, particularly petrol and diesel. This practice is implemented to protect customers from the full impact of international oil price variations, which can increase fuel prices. So, since the 1970s, fuel subsidies are payments from the federal government in Nigeria that are used to cover gaps between market price and regulated price. Paying for fuel subsidies generally implies a trade-off between protecting consumers from rising fuel prices and the economic and fiscal implications of continuing to subsidize fuel. Removing […] - [HPRG’s health sector 2023 roundup: Evidence, knowledge, politics](https://hprgunn.com/hprgs-health-sector-2023-roundup-evidence-knowledge-politics/): December 2023 The transition to a new government led by President Bola Tinubu with an agenda of ‘renewed hope’ was a significant moment in 2023. It is expected that the agenda drives growth and development in Nigeria, inclusive of the health sector. Health Policy Research Group (HPRG), University of Nigeria, has since the past two decades contributed to Nigeria’s health sector through the generation and implementation of research evidence to significantly inform health policies and practices. In February 2023, HPRG published a synopsis of the health contents of the manifestos of the top contenders for the presidency. A common argument […] - [Video: How Nigerian Researchers Push for Better Healthcare for Urban Slums](https://hprgunn.com/video-how-nigerian-researchers-push-for-better-healthcare-for-urban-slums/): Fifty-three percent of Nigerians who live in urban areas reside in slums. This means that over half of Nigeria’s urban population are slum dwellers, and there are projections that this will increase further, as it has, since 2014. The big question is, what plans does Nigeria have for the health of its growing urban slum population? - [HPRG researchers @3rd Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health and Development](https://hprgunn.com/hprg-researchers-3rd-nigeria-conference-on-adolescent-and-youth-health-and-development/): The 3rd Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health and Development organized by the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN) took place at the Zone Conference Center Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria. The conference started on the 16th of August and concluded on the 19th of August, 2023. The theme was EKO2023 – Achieving 2023 Targets: Driving Innovation for Adolescent and Youth Health. The Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria contributed to the conversation by presenting six different outputs from its over 3 years of research on adolescents and sexual and reproductive health services in Ebonyi State, […] - ["Nobody should be treated as an animal": The dark realities of patients in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals](https://hprgunn.com/nobody-should-be-treated-as-an-animal-the-dark-realities-of-patients-in-nigerian-psychiatric-hospitals/): In a small room with faded paint and worn-out chairs, a diverse group of people with mental health conditions gathered, their stories etched upon their faces. They seemed visibly relieved to have a respite from the chaotic and overcrowded environment of the psychiatric wards. This gathering marked the beginning of narratives coming from a place of pain and the thoughts of improving the quality of care for people with mental health conditions in psychiatric hospitals. In four focus group discussions, 30 patients in two psychiatric hospitals in Nigeria discussed their perceptions and experiences of coercive practices within the hospitals. Strikingly, […] - [Using scientific evidence to improve healthcare in Nigerian slums: an evolving story of hope and possibilities](https://hprgunn.com/using-scientific-evidence-to-improve-healthcare-in-nigerian-slums-an-evolving-story-of-hope-and-possibilities/): Nigerian “ghettos” deserve quality health services Popularly referred to as “ghettos”, slums have remained in Nigeria, inhabited by those who may not afford to live in well-off urban locations. About 50% of Nigeria’s population live in slums, and there are predictions that more people will relocate to slums if life continues to be difficult. There have been many positive and negative stories about Nigerian slums. On the positive side, we have heard of several entertainment stars that emerged from slums, including football stars, and very talented technocrats. In fact, the image that is painted for most of Nigerians is that […] - [Unfavorable working conditions in primary health centers are hindering access to sexual and reproductive health services for young people in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/unfavorable-working-conditions-in-primary-health-centers-are-hindering-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-for-young-people-in-nigeria/): Some facts about the sexual and reproductive health of young people Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute an estimated 21 million pregnancies yearly. Half of these pregnancies are unplanned, and half of them end in unsafe abortions. One in every five girls in Nigeria between ages 15 and 19 has commenced childbearing. Early childbearing has negative consequences on the physical and mental health of girls. Up to 50% of dropout among adolescent girls is caused by teenage pregnancy. The risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is highest among young people aged 15–24. The most recent National […] - [Evidence from Cross Programmatic Efficiency Analysis of Health Programmes (CPEA) reveals that inefficiencies marr investments in Nigeria's health sector](https://hprgunn.com/many-investments-in-nigerias-health-sector-do-not-yield-the-desired-value-because-they-are-marred-by-inefficiencies-2-year-study-reveals/): By Health Policy Research Group (HPRG), University of Nigeria   What to know about Cross Programmatic Efficiency Analysis of health programmes Nigeria’s health sector enjoys investments from bilateral and multilateral agencies like the WHO, USAID, Global Fund, etc., that come as partners to strengthen the country’s health system and improve health service delivery. Investments from partners are add-ons to budgetary allocations to the health sector by federal and state governments, as well as locally sourced resources for health. Yet Nigeria’s health space is said to suffer suboptimal funding, which is a vital concern documented by the Lancet on Nigeria’s investment […] - [Media gurus and health systems researchers meet to amplify health research evidence for governance and improving communities](https://hprgunn.com/media-gurus-meet-health-systems-researchers-to-amplify-research-evidence-in-health/): By The Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria   Researchers serially complain of the lack of spread of the wonderful and interesting scientific evidence they generate. Why this is so, is because researchers use a lot of technical languages in their works. In contrast, the media remains public friendly, writes using simple words and utilize creative means to reach the public. The media is known for inspiring political debates, causing political actors to pay close attention to them, far more than the attention given to scientific publications. A blog, titled, “Everyone!! wants to read a blog but your scholar-colleagues […] - [Improving Access to Quality Healthcare in Urban Slums: Researchers Collaborate with Government, Healthcare Providers and Communities to Design Feasible Interventions](https://hprgunn.com/safe-and-decent-health-for-slums-nigerian-health-research-institute-working-with-government-and-community-reps-to-improve-healthcare-in-urban-slums/): By Prince Agwu, Chinyere Mbachu, & Obinna Onwujekwe     The realities of living in informal settlements in Nigeria are telling of the healthcare conditions in such areas and are described as urban health risk. Over 54% of urban residents in Nigeria reside in informal settlements, and in the absence of  actions towards urban renewal, the situation will only get worse. It is as well expected that the continuous increase in multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians may push more citizens into relocating to urban slums or creating more informal settlements as a survival strategy. Thus, while we envision the upgrading of urban slums and proper integration into […] - [HPRG's Thought Leadership on Advocacy for Policy Change](https://hprgunn.com/hprgs-thought-leadership-on-advocacy-for-policy-change/): By HPRG News   Kurt Lewin said, “no research without action, and no action without research”. The reality of this quote lies in the essence of conducting research, which is to change society. Such change could be to inform, influence, or introduce great policies and programmes; or to improve conditions for the poor and vulnerable; or to even inform effective governance. Any which way, a goal for academia is to ensure that research brings real-time and tangible positive changes to the lives of people, and that generated evidence makes sense to policymakers and used for the good of the public. […] - [“Corruption in the health sector is stealing from the sick”: Policy Forum for insights and action on accountability and corruption in health](https://hprgunn.com/corruption-in-the-health-sector-is-stealing-from-the-sick-policy-forum-for-insights-and-action-on-accountability-and-corruption-in-health/): By Prince Agwu, Obinna Onwujekwe, Dina Balabanova and the Accountability in Action Research Team   Background Despite anticorruption thrusts that have always been a part of the manifestos of successive governments in Nigeria, corruption has remained considerably high in the country. With corruption being common in many sectors of Nigeria, the country in the 2021 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), scored 24 of 100, making it the 154th most corrupt country out of 180 countries in the world, and among the 15 most corrupt countries in Africa. Disappointingly, the health sector continues to feature as among the top-5 corrupt sectors in […] - [Understanding the Cost-Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination in Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/understanding-the-cost-effectiveness-of-covid-19-vaccination-in-nigeria/): Benjamin Uzochukwu, Chinyere Okeke, Sergio Torres-Rueda, Carl Pearson, Eleanor Bergren, Anthony McDonnell, Anna Vassall, Mark Jit, Francis Ruiz   Researchers from the Health Policy Research Group (Prof Benjamin Uzochukwu and Dr Chinyere Okeke) were part of a project that sought to understand the cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in terms of procurement and administration. This was documented by the Centre for Global Development (CDG), presenting useful information in scaling up campaigns against COVID-19 and improving responses to future pandemics in Nigeria.   Indeed, COVID-19 has disrupted health systems across the globe. Nigeria reported its first COVID-19 case in February 2020, and, […] - [Using Modeled Evidence in Nigeria's Health System: understanding the gaps and promoting the value of evidence-based decision making](https://hprgunn.com/using-modeled-evidence-in-nigerias-health-system-understanding-the-gaps-and-promoting-the-value-of-evidence-based-decision-making/): By Chinyere Mbachu, Prince Agwu, God’stime Eigbiromolen, Ifunanya Agu, Benjamin Uzochukwu and Obinna Onwujekwe   Statistics makes it possible to simulate real life behaviors using models, and this is termed ‘modeled evidence. Mathematical models that simulate different potential health scenarios around disease transmission, and/or the impact of policy interventions on health outcomes, can be valuable to decision makers. They can be used to prioritize and choose between complex trade-offs and ensure the best possible results in efficiency, effectiveness and impact of health policies and interventions. Literature has shown that, although policymakers are aware of the need to make decisions that […] - ["The pandemic is not over, as its impact persists in Nigeria's health system": Professor Onwujekwe at the Congress of Postgrads' Medical Fellows](https://hprgunn.com/the-pandemic-is-not-over-as-its-impacts-persist-in-nigerias-healthcare-professor-onwujekwe-at-the-congress-of-postgrads-medical-fellows/): By HPRG News   The effects of COVID-19 pandemic continue to bite health systems, particularly those of low-resource regions. Quoting the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerabilities in health systems can have profound implications for health, economic progress, trust in governments, and social cohesion”. The question of strengthening health systems has been recurring since the pandemic and has gotten more answers than actions. However, the conversations must not cease, as it is needful to keep discovering and reminding ourselves of those areas in our health system that have been affected by the pandemic, […] - [Surviving and Thriving in the Post-Pandemic Era: Exploring Research, Science and Innovation at the University of Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/surviving-and-thriving-in-the-post-pandemic-era-exploring-research-science-and-innovation-at-the-university-of-nigeria/): By Chidi Nzeadibe, Geraldine Ugwuonah, Obinna Onwujekwe, Bennett Nwanguma, Theresa Ogbuanya, Paul Oranu, Emmanuel Ezeani, Chinonso Igwesi-Chidobe, Chizoba Obianuju Oranu, Paul Adeosun and Felix Egara   Why yet another conference on Covid-19 Pandemic? COVID-19 pandemic is arguably the most serious global challenge since World War II. The 1st Annual Multidisciplinary International Conference of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) which took place from 5th – 7th July 2021 was convened to explore the role of research, science and innovation arising from the institution and elsewhere in surviving and thriving in the post-COVID era.  The theme of the maiden conference was […] - [National Centre of African Health Observatory Platform completes kickoff meeting for documentation of Nigeria's Health System and Services Profile](https://hprgunn.com/national-centre-of-african-health-observatory-platform-completes-kickoff-meeting-for-chssp/): By HPRG News Nigeria’s health system is on a path of growth and keeps evolving. Information about the country’s health system is fragmented, which has occasioned the need for rapid harmonization led by the African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP). The Country Health System and Services Profile (CHSSP) will provide an in-depth description and analysis of Nigeria’s health system and services. It is likewise being conducted in Rwanda, Senegal, Kenya, and Ethiopia, which will provide the basis for comparing the health system and services’ performance across these five countries. The CHSSP is designed to be a key reference document for a […] - [University of Nigeria dazzles in latest global science ranking](https://hprgunn.com/university-of-nigeria-dazzles-globally-in-latest-science-ranking/): By HPRG News   Research.com, a prominent academic platform for scientists, has just published the 2022 Edition of its Global Ranking of Top 1000 Scientists in the area of Social Sciences and Humanities. Three academics from the University of Nigeria, including the University, made the list. Professors Obinna Onwujekwe, Benjamin Uzochukwu, and Jude Ohaeri ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively in Nigeria, and 892, 3052, and 4039 on the globe, respectively. Also, the University of Nigeria is the lone university in Nigeria that made it to the top 400 on the globe in terms of research outputs from the social […] - [How countries can make progress towards UHC after transitioning out of DAH: Lessons from Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/how-countries-can-make-progress-towards-uhc-after-transitioning-out-of-dah-lessons-from-nigeria/): By Shalom Obi, Osondu Ogbuoji, Wenhui Mao, Minahil Shahid, Gavin Yamey, and Obinna Onwujekwe   In the coming years, about a dozen middle-income countries are expected to transition out of development assistance for health (DAH). This is so because the eligibility criteria set by most multilateral donors are based on income per capita or rise in GDP. However,  an increase in income per capita does not necessarily mean a reduction in disease burden. For example, despite an increase in GDP, Nigeria still stands out as very unprepared for the upcoming transition, based on poor health indices, very low domestic financing for health, and poor government commitment […] - [Nexus of Science and Evidence-based Decision Making in strengthening the health system in Nigeria: Public lecture of Prof Obinna Onwujekwe at the Nigeria Academy of Science](https://hprgunn.com/nexus-of-science-and-evidence-based-decision-making-in-strengthening-the-health-system-in-nigeria-public-lecture-of-prof-obinna-onwujekwe-at-the-nigeria-academy-of-science/): On May 12, 2022 Prof Obinna Onwujekwe gave a public lecture at the induction of fellows into the Nigeria Academy of Science. The lecture was titled, “Nexus of Science and Evidence-based Decision Making Towards a Responsive and Strong Nigerian Health System”. Prof Obinna gave practical examples of getting research into policy and practice, stating that it is an ideal every scientist should aspire to, and it is the key driver of the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria. Emphasis was laid on utilizing non-academic means to communicate research, such as blogs, policy briefs, podcasts, filming, etc., as they attain […] - [Strategic health purchasing progress in sub-Saharan Africa and adjustments needed for health financing systems to become more resilient to pandemics](https://hprgunn.com/strategic-health-purchasing-progress-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-adjustments-needed-for-health-financing-systems-to-become-more-resilient-to-pandemics/): By: Obinna Onwujekwe, Nathaniel Otoo, Stella U. Matutina, Uchenna Ezenwaka, Augustine Kuwawenaruwa , Joël Arthur Kiendrébéogo Strategic Purchasing Africa Resource Centre (SPARC) is a hub in sub-Saharan Africa that serves as a go-to source of information, support and capacity building for strategic purchasing to get better value for health spending to advance universal health coverage. Governance challenges which can be gross irregularities such as delays in provider payment, corrupt practices, and weak monitoring and accountability mechanisms, historical budgeting (not evidence-based), provider/purchase split and roles that are not clearly defined etc., affect the efficiency of health insurance schemes in Nigeria. In […] - [Marketplace aspect of Primary Health Centres in Nigeria and its implication for health care delivery](https://hprgunn.com/marketplace-aspect-of-primary-health-centres-in-nigeria-and-its-implication-for-health-care-delivery/): By: Aloysius Odii, Obinna Onwujekwe, Prince Agwu, Pamela Ogbozor, Tochukwu Orjiakor, Eleanor Hutchinson, Dina Babalanova Healthcare facilities are routinely regarded as fundamentally an institution or establishments housing local medical services or practices. In that sense, the enduring human interactions and economic transactions in these spaces are often overlooked. Yet, this could pose challenge to healthcare delivery and the overall intent to meet health-related goals. In this study, we narrate how health facilities operate as a marketplace and drew attention to its implication for healthcare delivery. Our description of the marketplace follows an economic anthropological perspective, which sees them as sites […] - [Health system responses and capacities for COVID-19 in Nigeria: a scoping review](https://hprgunn.com/health-system-responses-and-capacities-for-covid-19-in-nigeria-a-scoping-review/): By: Uguru, N., Ojielo, N., Ogu, U., Onah, S., and Ude N Prior to the index case in 2019, there was no official preparedness plan on the ground of inadequate public awareness of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Health system financing and infrastructural development were at a very low point. This study aimed to find out information and determine the capacity of the Nigerian health system’s responses to COVID-19 in the country. A scoping review of media and official documents and journals, published from 1st December 2019 to 31st December 2020 was done. Other online news sources that have consistently reported health systems’ […] - [National Responses to COVID-19 in Nigeria: Data and Evidence to Support Health Preparedness and Responses](https://hprgunn.com/national-responses-to-covid-19-in-nigeria-data-and-evidence-to-support-health-preparedness-and-responses/): By: Obinna Onwujekwe and Chinyere Okeke This presentation explores and compares responses in the two anglophone countries that together make up almost half the population of West Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. Drawing on desk reviews including media reports and policy documents as well as key informant interviews with key national and sub-national health sector decision-makers and implementers in the Covid 19 response timelines of interventions at central and local government level to address the pandemic, and observations as to how and why these interventions worked (or not), intended and unintended effects are presented. A qualitative exploration of whether the timelines of […] - [A review of Nigeria’s health systems response to COVID-19: lessons for strengthening the health systems for improved service delivery](https://hprgunn.com/a-review-of-nigerias-health-systems-response-to-covid-19-lessons-for-strengthening-the-health-systems-for-improved-service-delivery/): By: Chinyere Okeke, Chioma Onyedinma, Benjamin Uzochukwu, Obinna Onwujekwe The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the health systems of almost all the countries in the world. A strong health system is characterized by its ability to respond to emergencies while remaining resilient in delivering high-quality routine essential services promptly. This is not the case in most low- and middle-income countries, of which Nigeria is one of them, making them very vulnerable to COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, health systems had not received adequate attention. However, with this pandemic, the country’s leadership has made efforts to respond to reduce its spread. […] - [A review of corruption and accountability issues in Nigeria’s COVID-19 response: Implications for health systems governance](https://hprgunn.com/a-review-of-corruption-and-accountability-issues-in-nigerias-covid-19-response-implications-for-health-systems-governance/): By: Prince Agwu, Nma Ekenna, Uche Obi, Tochukwu Orjiakor, Aloysius Odii, Enyi Etiaba, Benjamin Uzochukwu, Obinna Onwujekwe Flexible and urgent health spending during public health emergencies distorts procurement processes and potentially encourages corrupt practices in health systems. This can erode public confidence, resulting to poor compliance to health safety measures during public health crisis. Thus, anticorruption in health, and in pandemic responses is key. COVID-19 related articles (reports from various government bodies and CSOs) on resource mobilization, appropriation, public perceptions towards accountability and anticorruption, were reviewed. Findings were organised under three themes: i) mobilized resources for COVID-19, ii) evidence of […] - [Progress in the face of cuts: a qualitative Nigerian case study of maintaining progress towards universal health coverage after losing donor assistance](https://hprgunn.com/progress-in-the-face-of-cuts-a-qualitative-nigerian-case-study-of-maintaining-progress-towards-universal-health-coverage-after-losing-donor-assistance/): By: Uche Shalom Obi,  Osondu Ogbuoji,  Wenhui Mao,  Minahil Shahid,  Obinna Onwujekwe, Gavin Yamey In the coming years, about a dozen middle-income countries are excepted to transition out of development assistance for health (DAH) based on their economic growth. This anticipated loss of external funds at a time when there is a need for accelerated progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) is a source of concern. Evaluating country readiness for transition towards country ownership of health programmes is a crucial step in making progress towards UHC. We used in-depth interviews to explore: (1) the preparedness of the Nigerian health system to transition out of DAH, […] - [Policy Dialogue between African Health Observatory and stakeholders in Nigeria's Health Financing](https://hprgunn.com/policy-dialogue-between-health-policy-research-group-and-stakeholders-in-nigerias-health-financing/): Central to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is to improve service coverage, financial access, and financial protection for health service users. Concerned about Nigeria’s slow pace toward UHC, the Nigerian National Centre (NC) of the African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP) organized a policy dialogue (PD) that brought together key members of the National Healthcare Financing (HCF) and equity Technical Working Group (TWG) (HCF-TWG) and FMOH to discuss the current policy issues on health financing (interest on health financing governance and domestic resource mobilization (DRM)), with a focus on UHC. The dialogue was to brainstorm about the future directions […] - [Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria stretches research into urban health](https://hprgunn.com/health-policy-research-group-university-of-nigeria-stretches-research-investigation-into-urban-health/): With an estimated urban population growth rate of 4.3%, Nigeria’s urban population is expected to double by 2050.[1] The notable consequence of the rapid urbanisation that is taking place in the country is the expansion and increase in numbers of informal settlements within and around large cities. These informal settlements, referred to as urban slums, are characterised by poor housing, lack of basic amenities and poor access to urban resources, including health, nutrition and education. Rapid urbanisation and the growth of unplanned urban slums have necessitated global attention towards ensuring social inclusion and equitable access to urban resources, particularly for vulnerable […] - [COVID-19 containment and coordination strategies in Nigeria and lessons from four other African countries](https://hprgunn.com/covid-19-containment-and-coordination-strategies-in-nigeria-and-lessons-from-four-other-african-countries/): COVID-19 pandemic will forever remain a major disruption of global activities and lifestyles. However, conversations have rapidly shifted from the dreadedness of the pandemic to the actions and inactions of systems in combating its spread and ameliorating its devastating effects. The pandemic appears to have affected different locations differently, of which there are clinical, public health, economic and social explanations to such dynamics. While it looks as though Africa has one of the least occurrences of fatalities arising from COVID-19, it is never in doubt that the continent has had its fair share of the effects of the pandemic, and […] - [Understanding the complementary relationships and roles of Integrated African Health Observatory (iAHO) and African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP)](https://hprgunn.com/understanding-the-complementary-relationships-and-roles-of-integrated-african-health-observatory-iaho-and-african-health-observatory-platform-ahop/): The Ministerial Conference on Research for Health in the African Region, held in Algiers from 23 to 26 June 2008, adopted the Algiers Declaration renewing the commitment of Member States to strengthen national health research, information systems and knowledge management systems to improve health in the African Region. The Algiers Declaration offers a framework to narrow the knowledge gap and thereby improve knowledge generation and the use of knowledge to inform policies, strategies, and actions. The World Health Organization (WHO) started work on health observatories in the African region in 2010 when it established the African Health Observatory (AHO).1 This […] - [AHOP Writing Style](https://hprgunn.com/ahop-writing-style/): Researchers working across National Centres of AHOP are to write in a particular style that is consistent with the African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP) and World Health Organisation (WHO). The AHOP’s abridged version of the full WHO editorial style manual, which draws on the abridged style guides used by WHO Africa Regional Office (AFRO) and the European Observatory on Health Systems & Policies can be downloaded below. The style guide aims to ensure correctness, consistency, impartiality, and credibility across AHOP outputs, both electronic and print, and offers guidance on avoiding the most common stylistic errors. Please, note that this guide […] - [Scientists from the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria rank highly on the globe - AD Scientific Index 2021](https://hprgunn.com/scientists-from-hprg-university-of-nigeria-rank-highly-on-the-globe-ad-scientific-index-2021/): In a recent ranking of scientists on the globe, scholars from the Health Policy Research Group took top spots. Professors Obinna Onwujekwe and Benjamin Uzochukwu who are both academics at the University of Nigeria and founders of the renowned Health Policy Research Group clinched 1st and 3rd positions respectively, as top scientists in the University of Nigeria with over 3000 academic staff. The ranking is done by AD Scientific Index. At country-level, Obinna Onwujekwe ranks 3rd, 171 in the African region, and 39940 on the globe. Whereas, Benjamin Uzochukwu popularly known as BSC ranks 8th in Nigeria, 271 in the African […] - [COVID-19 and crowding out of essential healthcare services: HPRG presents @ 37th Scientific Conference of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria](https://hprgunn.com/covid-19-and-crowding-out-of-essential-healthcare-services-hprg-aphpn/): The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) held its annual scientific conference at Abuja, Nigeria. The conference featured over 55 selected abstracts from a large pool of submissions. HPRG, under the African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP) presented a synthesis of findings from secondary sources on “crowding out of essential healthcare services amidst COVID-19”. The presentation was made by some members from the AHOP Nigeria Centre. They include Chinyere Okeke, Uche Ezenwaka, Chinelo Obi, Benjamin Uzochukwu, and Obinna Onwujekwe.   The well-researched presentation highlighted the huge burden of COVID-19 on the Nigerian health system, which overwhelmed health resources, with […] - [“Everyone!! wants to read a blog but your scholar-colleagues want to read your journal paper”: Research communication for wider reach](https://hprgunn.com/everyone-wants-to-read-a-blog-but-your-scholar-colleagues-want-to-read-your-journal-paper/): Prince Agwu & Obinna Onwujekwe It is common to find editors of journals ask scholars to make their research papers appeal to a wider readership. By this, they imply that scholars should move away from a narrow lens, which could be their disciplines, communities or countries as target readers and users of their research findings. When these papers are finally published with a wider readership in mind, they might end up just with co-academics who are doing related studies or students researching around the subject. Hence, they circulate just within the academic walls, and at best, might fetch scholars some […] - [Strengthening Health Systems and Policy Research in Nigeria: African Health Observatory Platform [AHOP] Nigeria Centre meets with Partners](https://hprgunn.com/african-health-observatory-platform-on-health-systems-and-policies-ahop-nigeria-centre-holds-inaugural-meeting-with-partners/): The Nigeria National Centre of AHOP (Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria) held a two-day inaugural with their three National AHOP Partners- The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Veritas University Abuja and the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), from 02-03 December 2020. The AHOP concept, goals and objectives were shared with the partners. The partners also shared their previous and on-going experiences of generating Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) evidence and getting research into Policy and Practice (GRIPP). This was followed by a brainstorming session, to propose tasks in the next steps to generate […] - [Press Release from the African Health Observatory Platform on Health Systems and Policy (AHOP): Knowledge brokering platform launched to support health systems in the African region](https://hprgunn.com/press-release-from-the-african-health-observatory-platform/): Presented on 23/11/2020 The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners launched an online platform today to promote the exchange of evidence and experience across countries in the African region. By working to foster evidence-informed decision-making in an endeavor to re-engineer health service delivery, the initiative is expected to drive countries’ health system resilience efforts. The African Health Observatory Platform on Health Systems and Policy (AHOP) aims to facilitate cross-country learning and accelerate the uptake of high-quality evidence and experiences reflecting the complexity and diversity of the region. This knowledge translation effort will ultimately help strengthen national and regional health system […] - [Call for Expressions of Interest (Updated): Implementation research to strengthen data systems for immunization coverage and equity (IR Accelerator) Initiative](https://hprgunn.com/call-for-expressions-of-interest-implementation-research-to-strengthen-data-systems-for-immunization-coverage-and-equity-ir-accelerator-initiative/): This is a call for expression of interest (EOI) from implementer-led research teams who wish to undertake implementation research that will contribute to strengthening data and information systems for immunization coverage and equity in Nigeria. We are seeking to fund up to eight (8) implementation research projects that will contribute to improving our understanding of the challenges and solutions for improving immunization data and information systems in Nigeria. Hence, the research projects will provide evidence on the real world factors that impact/influence the quality of immunization data, and potential strategies for addressing implementation bottlenecks and accelerating immunization coverage and equity. […] - [Mobilisation and deployment of resources for the COVID-19 response in Nigeria: a view with transparency, accountability and anti-corruption lenses](https://hprgunn.com/mobilisation-and-deployment-of-resources-for-the-covid-19-response-in-nigeria-a-view-with-transparency-accountability-and-anti-corruption-lenses/): By Obinna Onwujekwe & Prince Agwu In a previous article of ours, we raised concerns about weak accountability and corruption possibly getting in the way of Nigeria’s response to COVID-19. We cited the report of Transparency International on how corruption affected West Africa’s response to the Ebola epidemic, hoping that the lessons learnt will inform the responses to future pandemics in Nigeria. There were predictions that the COVID-19 experience will surely not leave Nigeria’s health system in the manner it has always been. Even though the predictions were not clear on if the health system in Nigeria will head in […] ## Pages - [HPRG's Conflict of Interest Policy](https://hprgunn.com/hprgs-conflict-of-interest-policy/): PurposeThe purpose of this policy is to help all staff and Directors at the Health Policy Research Group to effectively identify, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in order to protect the integrity of the Health Policy Research Group, and manage risk. ObjectiveHealth Policy Research Group aims to ensure that all management and staff are aware of their obligations to disclose any conflicts of interest that they may have, and to comply with this policy to ensure they effectively manage those conflicts of interest as representatives of the Health Policy Research Group. ScopeThis policy applies […] - [Reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children in Nigeria through an integrated sectoral approach](https://hprgunn.com/reaching-zero-dose-and-under-immunized-children-in-nigeria-through-an-integrated-sectoral-approach/): “Life or death for a young child too often depends on whether he or she is born in a country where vaccines are available or not” – Nelson Mandela  The World Health Organisation reports that vaccines prevent approximately 5 million childhood deaths each year. Yet Nigeria has over 2 million children who have lived for about 2 years and not received a single dose of vaccine. These children are technically referred to as “zero-dose” and face a high risk of death from diseases like diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio, hepatitis, and rotavirus. Of the over 800,000 deaths of children under the […] - [HPRG's Research Communication Policy (2023 - 2028)](https://hprgunn.com/hprgs-research-communication-policy-2023-2028/):   The communication plans and strategies of HPRG are strategically governed by an agreed set of indicators designed by researchers and communication professionals. These indicators inspire and regulate all communication-related activities of HPRG and form the core research communication objectives of HPRG. They are: (1) Achieve mutually beneficial relationship within the research communication ecosystem (2) Design and conduct strategic communication of health systems evidence in ways that are fit-for-audience and set agenda for purposeful conversations and actions (3) Pursue research communication as a responsibility (4) Enable capacity building across the research communication ecosystem for seamless communication and uptake of research […] - [Gender-transformative approach to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services (GTA Project)](https://hprgunn.com/gender-transformative-approach-to-youth-friendly-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-gta-project/):   The Health Policy Research Group at the University of Nigeria Enugu, Campus, is currently implementing a 36-month project that will apply a gender transformative approach to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive (SRH) services in Ebonyi State Nigeria. Young people in Nigeria face multiple barriers when accessing quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. These barriers include discriminatory and judgmental attitudes from health providers, limited or lack of privacy and confidentiality, and adverse gender and social norms. Health system interventions designed to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people focus largely on strengthening the capacities […] - [HPRG Conference Presentations @HSG 2022 & ICUH 2022](https://hprgunn.com/hprg-conference-presentations-hsg-2022/): Urban health is indeed becoming topical in global health systems, with rapid urbanization across the developing regions. The urban growth rate in Nigeria is currently over 4%, with more than 50% of Nigerian residents living in urban areas. Of those living in urban areas in Nigeria, about 54% live in slums and are at risk of facing poverty, poor healthcare, low-quality education, and poor nutrition, among other poor living conditions. It is a fact that the number of urban residents will certainly grow in the coming years, implying that countries like Nigeria must be intentional and committed to managing urban […] - [Adolescents' Sexual and Reproductive Health](https://hprgunn.com/adolescents-sexual-and-reproductive-health/): The Health Policy Research Group at the University of Nigeria Enugu, Campus, is implementing a four-year (48 months) project on sexual and reproductive health in six urban and rural local government areas in Ebonyi State Nigeria. It is estimated that about 2 in 10 young women will become pregnant before 18 years of age worldwide (Sedgh et al., 2015). The demand for family planning among young unmarried women in all regions is estimated at 90%, indicating that these women do not want to become pregnant. The gap between sexual intentions and contraceptive behaviour (unmet need for contraceptives) in this group […] - [2022 AfHEA Special - HPRG presentations](https://hprgunn.com/2022-afhea-special-hprg-presentations/): Progress in the face of cuts: a qualitative Nigerian case study of maintaining progress towards universal health coverage after losing donor assistance By: Uche Shalom Obi,  Osondu Ogbuoji,  Wenhui Mao,  Minahil Shahid,  Obinna Onwujekwe, Gavin Yamey In the coming years, about a dozen middle-income countries are excepted to transition out of development assistance for health (DAH) based on their economic growth. This anticipated loss of external funds at a time when there is a need for accelerated progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) is a source of concern. Evaluating country readiness for transition towards country ownership of health programmes is a crucial step in making […] - [SPARC](https://hprgunn.com/projects/sparc/): COVID-19 Response In Nigeria: Where is the Accountability and How Strategic is the Purchasing of Health Services? By: Uchenna Ewelike, Uchenna  Ezenwaka,Chikezie Nwankwor, Benjamin Uzochukwu and  Obinna Onwujekwe Health is a fundamental human right; thus, access to this basic right of an individual should be protected and guaranteed to citizens of all nations irrespective of the prevailing circumstances.  However, the greatest challenge to this right of the citizens is the financial resource constraints in achieving unhindered access to quality healthcare for all residents in a nation, including Nigerians. We know that the demand for health care is inelastic meaning that […] - [Projects](https://hprgunn.com/projects/): Vaccine Uptake for Zero-Dose Children in Nigeria The World Health Organisation reports that vaccines prevent approximately 5 million childhood deaths each year. Yet Nigeria has over 2 million children who have lived for about 2 years and not received a single dose of vaccine. These children are technically referred to as “zero-dose” and face a high risk of death from diseases like diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio, hepatitis, and rotavirus. Of the over 800,000 deaths of children under the age of five in Nigeria, it is estimated that about 40% are due to illnesses that vaccines would have prevented. MORE African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP, Nigeria) An […] - [HPRG Publications](https://hprgunn.com/hprg-publications/) - [African Journal of Health Economics](https://hprgunn.com/african-journal-of-health-economics/) - [Urban Health](https://hprgunn.com/projects/urban-health/): With an estimated urban population growth rate of 4.3%, Nigeria’s urban population is expected to double by 2050. The notable consequence of the rapid urbanisation that is taking place in the country is the expansion and increase in numbers of informal settlements within and around large cities. These informal settlements, referred to as urban slums, are characterised by poor housing, lack of basic amenities and poor access to urban resources, including health, nutrition and education. Rapid urbanisation and the growth of unplanned urban slums have necessitated global attention towards ensuring social inclusion and equitable access to urban resources, particularly for […] - [Maternal and Child Health](https://hprgunn.com/sexual-reproductive-maternal-child-and-adolescent-health/): Sexual/Reproductive/Maternal/Child and Adolescent Health REVAMP A 5 year Realist Evaluation (2015-2020) of a maternal and child health programme in Nigeria, titled  “Determinants of effectiveness and sustainability of a novel Community Health Workers programme in improving Mother and Child Health in Nigeria” This was a multi-phased  mixed methods study which employed an overarching Realist Evaluation approach to assess the SURE-P Maternal and Child health programme. The SURE-P (SUbsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme) was a national programme which ploughed subsidies removed from Petroleum products in 2012 back into poverty alleviation programmes and social safety nets for the rural and underserved population of […] - [Health Policy and Systems Research](https://hprgunn.com/hpsr/) - [Universal Health Coverage](https://hprgunn.com/universal-health-coverage/) - [Health Sector corruption](https://hprgunn.com/health-sector-corruption/): Health Sector Corruption Anti-corruption Evidence (ACE) in Nigerian Heath sector Health sector corruption is endemic in Nigeria’s health setting and has stalled the progress of key health indicators in the country, including Universal Health Coverage. The project seeks to identify and understand corruption and its flashpoints in the health sector, produce and harness evidence for solution, and push for incremental change Partners on the project draw from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and funded by the UK Aid – Department for International Development (DFID). Our Team Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe (Lead) […] - [African Health Observatory Platform](https://hprgunn.com/ahop/): African Health Observatory Platform (AHOP, Nigeria) An online platform and a one-stop shop for health information, established to improve the availability of evidence for decision making at various levels. AHOP is supported by the WHO, European Observatory, London School of Economics and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to: Help assemble data from different sources, store them in a place, and make them openly accessible Provide a platform for engaging with key actors (owners of data) on data sharing Help strengthen skills for analysis and synthesis of health data through training, technical assistance and involvement of academic institutions Deliverables from AHOP […] - [Contact Us](https://hprgunn.com/contact-us/): Contact Us Send E-Mail The Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) with its base at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) was established in 2002. We are always here to receive your reports, observations and questions. Send us an e-mail right away and be sure to get a response as soon as possible. Contact us For More Information Call Us +2348037007771; +2348033130050; +2348032442695; +2349095201921; +2347034437569 Address Old UNTH, Enugu, Nigeria Send E-mail obinna.onwujekwe@unn.edu.nghprgnig18@gmail.combscuzochukwu@gmail.com hprg@unn.edu.ngprince.agwu@unn.edu.nginfo@hprgunn.com - [Blog](https://hprgunn.com/blog/): Our Blog 19May Communiqué – National Policy Dialogue on School Health…   Following a two-year study on healthcare/health rights for school-aged children (5 to 17 years)… Learn More 25Mar Quarterly Research Spotlight from the Health Policy Research… HPRG spotlights summaries of its 14 studies published between January and March 2025, showing how… Learn More 08Mar 14 distinct papers from 6 scientific studies will… The African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) is back with an all-in-person scientific conference… Learn More 20Dec HPRG’s health sector 2024 roundup: Evidence, knowledge, politics December 2024 The Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria (HPRG) […] - [About Us](https://hprgunn.com/about-us/): About Us ABOUT US The Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) with its base at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) was established in 2002. It is covered by the legal incorporation of the College of Medicine of the University of Nigeria, Enugu-campus. It is a multidisciplinary team comprising Health economists, Public Health Physicians, Clinical Pharmacologists, Social Scientists, Paediatricians and Gynaecologists. HPRG has the highest concentration of trained health economists in Nigeria. The research group has established proven capacity in health systems, policy and economics and social research in a broad range of health system issues and […] - [Home](https://hprgunn.com/): Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria Your best stop for science driven data and evidence on health systems and policy issues in  Africa See How People reached 0 K+ Projects 0 + We are inspired by positive health outcomes in Africa Our mission is generation and utilization of research evidence for the improvement of health policies and systems in Africa ABOUT US Our Story We have a strong track record in evaluating policies, implementing strategies and designing interventions for improving access to quality health services.  The Health Policy Research Group (HPRG) with its base at the College of Medicine, […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)