The Hidden Cost of Health in Nigeria: How Spending on Chronic Illnesses Affects Families

Nigeria is facing a big problem. More and more people are getting sick with long-term illnesses. These are not the usual diseases you might think of, like malaria or infections. Instead, they are conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These illnesses are costly to treat. And when families have to pay for this care out of their own pockets, it can cause serious financial strain. In Nigeria, many people do not have health insurance. This means they must pay for all their medical expenses themselves. When a family member gets a chronic illness, the costs can add up quickly. Money that would normally go towards food, education, or other necessities is instead spent on medicine and doctor visits. This is what experts call a "crowding-out" effect. It means that essential needs are being pushed aside because of high healthcare costs. This issue is not unique to Nigeria. Across sub-Saharan Africa, the rise in chronic illnesses is putting a financial burden on many families. The high cost of care can lead to difficult choices. Families may have to cut back on other important expenses just to afford treatment. This can have long-term effects on their well-being and quality of life. Experts are calling for better solutions to this problem. One idea is to improve access to health insurance. This way, families would not have to bear the full cost of treatment themselves. Another solution could be to make medicines and healthcare services more affordable. By addressing these issues, families could avoid the financial strain caused by chronic illnesses. It is clear that the rising cost of treating chronic illnesses is a serious concern. Without proper support, many families will continue to struggle. It is important for policymakers to take action and find ways to ease this burden. Only then can families focus on their health without worrying about financial ruin.