Health for All. No One Left Behind

Blessing Amatemeso
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

UNAFFECTED BY HEALTH COSTS? THINK AGAIN.

Did you know that globally:

-4.6 billion people still lack access to essential health services, and

-2.1 billion experience financial hardship just to get care — including 1.6 billion pushed into or deeper into poverty because medical bills are just too high? (WHO, 2025)

These aren’t distant figures — they are human lives: families skipping treatment, children missing visits, and parents selling possessions to pay for care.

- IN AFRICA, THE BURDEN IS HEAVIER

⚡Over 423 million people faced financial hardship due to out-of-pocket health costs in 2022.

⚡384 million were pushed into poverty or dragged deeper into it because of high medical bills. ([This Day Live, 2025)

That means almost 1 in 5 Africans is just one illness away from disaster.

AND HERE AT HOME — IN NIGERIA TODAY:

⚡Around 75–78% of healthcare spending comes directly out of people’s pockets — one of the highest rates in the world. (WATHI, 2023)

⚡This heavy out-of-pocket burden pushes over 1 million Nigerians into poverty every single year. (Nairametrics, 2024)

⚡ Less than 1 in 10 people has health insurance coverage — meaning the vast majority pay at the time of illness rather than being protected in advance.

For many families, one hospital visit can mean no school fees next term, no savings, and no safety net.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

We can’t wait for big changes alone. Here’s how you can help yourself and others:

✅ Joining or starting health insurance plans, even community or student schemes, reduces risk.

✅ Build an emergency health savings fund— start small, save regularly.

✅ Learn first aid and preventive health practices — fewer emergencies, fewer costs.

✅ Spread awareness — find out about health insurance in your state, get enrolled, and enrol your partner, children, and parents. Talk about health insurance with friends and family.

WHAT COMMUNITIES CAN DO TOGETHER

🌟 Community health funds

Pooling resources with neighbours can help cover costs for anyone who falls sick.

While this is a good idea, if there are so many emergencies in a short time, it can be overwhelming.

🌟 Health education workshops

Learn and teach each other how to prevent diseases like malaria, diabetes, and hypertension because prevention saves money and lives.

🌟 Group insurance negotiations

Bigger groups can negotiate better rates with providers with cheaper coverage for everyone.

INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE.

Your health isn’t just about today — it’s an investment in your future productivity, your family’s well-being, and your community’s strength.

📍 Eat well.

📍 Exercise regularly.

📍 Get routine check-ups.

📍 Don’t ignore symptoms!!

These actions today can prevent huge bills tomorrow.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS MATTER

Affordable health care isn’t just about doctors — it’s about equipment and infrastructure:

🧪 Functional labs

🫀 Diagnostic machines

🏥 Well-equipped clinics

Without these, even the best intentions fail. Proper investment in health technology and supply chains means faster, cheaper, better care for all, not just for those who can afford it.

TO OUR GOVERNMENT — IT’S TIME TO MARCH FOR HEALTH RIGHTS

We’re calling on policymakers to:

📌 Increase public health funding.

📌 Expand universal health coverage.

📌 Slash out-of-pocket costs.

📌 Strengthen insurance programsaccessible to all .

📌 Equip hospitals with modern tools and ensure they serve every community

Nations win when citizens are healthy.

No one should be left behind.

FIGHTING FOR HEALTH IS LIKE WE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM

Health for All. No One Left Behind.

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