URBANISATION AND HEALTH DISPARITIES: AN INTRA URBAN ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INDICATORS AND HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Abstract
Lagos is among the fastest growing cities of the world with a population of 10,788,000 in 2010 (UN-Population Division, 2011) and, currently 13, 121, 000, and 18, 857,000 as projected by the World Urbanisation Prospects, 2012.... [ view full abstract ]
Lagos is among the fastest growing cities of the world with a population of 10,788,000 in 2010 (UN-Population Division, 2011) and, currently 13, 121, 000, and 18, 857,000 as projected by the World Urbanisation Prospects, 2012. Health indicators suggest deficits in the health care services and systems, as well as environmental determinants of health. These health disparities are found to be more endemic in the slum areas inhabited mostly by the vulnerable groups. Some efforts made towards addressing these health inequalities in service delivery, the burdens of diseases associated with poor sanitation and access to portable water have not been effective. These indices are enough compelling reasons for this study. Most of the data for this study were extracted from reports of international organisations and findings from researches of experts on urban health.Primary data of researches on environmental health indicators across Lagos were also utilised. Findings show that while access to piped water to premises decreased from 33% in 1990 to only 6% in 2013, it has increased from 45% to 73% for other improved sources within the same survey period which means that more individuals and private organisations are now responsible for their own water provision. The inextricable link between environment factors and health were ascertained by various studies done in different areas of Lagos. Major findings and Reports indicate a weak health care system and identified several challenges which include lack of coordination, fragmentation of services, dearth of resources, including drug and supplies, inadequate and decaying infrastructure, inequity in resource distribution, and access to care and very deplorable quality of care. Suggested interventions that will reduce the urban health disparities include, physical and infrastructure development and improvement in water, sanitation and waste collection methods, as well as establishing a comprehensive health care system.
Authors
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Immaculata Nwokoro
(University of Lagos)
Topic Area
II. Urban Health at the intersection of urban environment, social determinants and places
Session
UH-HS-O-02 » Urban Health - Healthcare Service - 02 (14:00 - Saturday, 2nd April, TBA)
Paper
ICUH_2016__ABSTRACT.docx
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