The FG Reports That Health-Related Infections Cost Nigeria $4.5 Billion In 2023

The Federal Government has revealed that Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) in Nigeria have a staggering economic cost of $4.5 billion in 2023, according to Dr. Tochi Okwor, Coordinator of the National Infection Prevention and Control Programme at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

This estimate represents approximately 0.94% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Dr. Okwor emphasized that HAIs, which occur when infection prevention and control measures are suboptimal in healthcare settings, are avoidable and pose a significant burden.

Furthermore, she noted that Nigeria also grapples with a high incidence of community-acquired infections, highlighting the need for effective prevention and control strategies.

“The total economic cost of HAIs in Nigeria has been estimated to be up to $4.5bn in 2023, and the cost of these HAIs as a percentage of our GDP has also been estimated to be up to 0.94 per cent, and the cost of treating these HAIs as a proportion of our total healthcare expenditure in 2023 has also been estimated to be up to 3.8 per cent.

“Infectious diseases are non-discriminatory as they can affect the lives of everyone, especially Nigerian patients receiving care who could be you or me. The Turn Nigeria Orange Programme is strongly linked to implementing strategies that would help increase awareness and reduce incidences of HAIs,” she stated.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate noted that HAIs pose significant threats to the health and well-being of Nigerians, and can lead to death.

Pate, who was represented by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said, “A recent study revealed that approximately 44 per cent of patients admitted to our hospitals acquire at least one HAI during their stay. The human and economic costs are substantial and have been calculated to cost $715 per episode, draining vital resources and funds that could be channelled towards other critical aspects of our health system.

“The burden of HAIs extends beyond financial implications, as it represents a threat to the health and productive years for our citizens, affecting the quality of life for countless families and healthcare workers.”

Dr. Okwor emphasized the crucial importance of bolstering Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He stressed that robust IPC and WASH measures have a ripple effect, leading to improved maternal and child health, reduced antimicrobial resistance, slowed transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and enhanced preparedness and response to emergencies, ultimately creating a healthier and more resilient population.

“The establishment of this National IPC TWG also aligns well with the Global Action Plan on Infection Prevention and Control 2024-2030, which was recently approved by the World Health Assembly.

“Having a national IPC Technical Working Group is an important national-level indicator to track the national implementation of the Global Action Plan on IPC. With the inauguration of this technical working group, Nigeria has demonstrated leadership in infection prevention and control, and setting a precedent for other countries to follow,” she added.

Idris emphasized that the launch of the National IPC Technical Working Group (TWG) represents a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s efforts to fortify its healthcare system through enhanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures.

The NCDC Director General highlighted IPC as the primary defense mechanism against the spread of infectious diseases, protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the broader community.

Dr. Walter Mulombo, World Health Organization’s Country Representative in Nigeria, added that the IPC TWG will play a crucial role in advancing health security, promoting a healthcare system that is efficient, equitable, and of high quality, ultimately benefiting the nation.