Silent saviors: The marginalization of public health professionals in Nigeria – NAPHS cries out

DDM News

Public health is the cornerstone of any effective healthcare system.

Yet, it remains one of the most undervalued professions, particularly in Nigeria.

While the nation battles widespread health challenges, the public health workforce finds itself marginalized.

It is overshadowed by other healthcare professionals.

Speaking with the Diaspora digital media (DDM), Yusuf Taofiq Omotosho, a dedicated Executive member of the National Association of Public Health Students (NAPHS), has issued a compelling wake-up call for public health graduates and students.

He urges them to unite, demand recognition, and actively shape their professional future.

Omotosho emphasizes that it is no longer acceptable to remain silent or passive in the face of systemic neglect.

“We must collectively rise and demand recognition for our indispensable role in safeguarding the nation’s health,” he asserts.

Hon. IG Amaechi Okoro, the National Media Person of NAPHS, echoes this sentiment with a pointed call to action.

He highlights the urgent need for NGOs, health sectors in Nigeria, and the diaspora to create more opportunities for public health professionals.

“The neglect of public health professionals in Nigeria is not just a professional injustice—it is a public health risk,” Okoro emphasizes.

He urges stakeholders to invest in the public health workforce to address Nigeria’s pressing health challenges.

This investment, he argues, is essential for ensuring a healthier future for all.

This plea exposes a troubling reality.

Hospitals and healthcare parastatals routinely advertise roles for doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.

However, they often overlook the critical contributions of public health professionals.

This neglect not only undermines the profession,

but it also jeopardizes the healthcare system’s ability to address root causes of health crises effectively.

The Role and Value of Public Health Professionals

Public health professionals are the unsung heroes of healthcare.

While clinicians treat individuals, public health experts tackle population-wide challenges.

They do this through preventive measures, research, and advocacy.

They are the architects of programs that ensure communities have access to clean water, vaccines, and proper sanitation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health professionals played pivotal roles.

They contributed through contact tracing, community education, vaccination drives, and policy implementation.

Beyond emergencies, their work encompasses maternal and child health, mental health, disease prevention, and food safety.

These are the cornerstones of societal well-being.

Without their expertise, preventable diseases would claim countless lives.

Additionally, health disparities would deepen.

A Brief History of Public Health

It has a storied history.

It is rooted in the understanding that prevention is better than cure.

Ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley and Rome pioneered sanitation systems.

They linked hygiene to health.

The modern public health movement began in the 19th century.

It was driven by the challenges of industrialization.

Edwin Chadwick’s 1842 report in England revealed how poor sanitation contributed to disease.

This led to the Public Health Act of 1848.

John Snow’s 1854 investigation of a cholera outbreak in London marked the birth of epidemiology.

It demonstrated how data-driven decisions could save lives.

In the 20th century, public health expanded its scope.

It tackled global health issues like smallpox eradication, vaccination campaigns, and health education.

Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) further emphasized the importance of prevention in global health strategies.

Public Health in Nigeria

In Nigeria, public health has been instrumental in combating diseases such as polio and smallpox.

However, despite its proven value, the profession suffers from systemic neglect.

Public health graduates face limited job opportunities.

They also experience poor representation in policymaking and inadequate funding for preventive programs.

This oversight is particularly concerning given Nigeria’s significant health challenges.

The country struggles with high maternal and child mortality rates.

It also faces recurring disease outbreaks and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

These health professionals are uniquely equipped to address these issues.

However, their potential remains largely untapped.

The Urgency of Action

Omotosho and Okoro’s calls to action emphasize the need for collective effort to change the narrative.

Graduates and students must step out of the shadows.

They must assert their relevance in the healthcare system.

1. Advocacy for Policy Inclusion

Public health professionals must demand representation in policymaking bodies.

Advocacy for policies that recognize their contributions and create career pathways is essential.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns

Public health’s role often goes unnoticed.

This is because its successes prevent disasters rather than respond to them.

Professionals should use media and community outreach to educate the public on their vital work.

3. Collaborative Efforts

Building alliances with other healthcare professionals can amplify the voice of this health practitioners.

Collaboration can lead to unified demands for better funding and recognition.

4. Entrepreneurial Ventures

Graduates can create opportunities by founding NGOs, health consulting firms, or startups.

These ventures can focus on disease prevention, health education, and community health services.

5. Professional Development and Networking

Joining professional bodies such as the Nigerian Association of Public Health Practitioners can provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities.

A Call to NGOs and Health Sectors

It is imperative for NGOs and the health sectors in Nigeria and the diaspora to recognize their role in bridging this gap.

These organizations must actively create opportunities for Nigerian public health graduates.

They can do this by funding community health projects, offering internships, and facilitating professional training programs.

By leveraging their resources, these sectors can empower health professionals.

This will enable them to address critical health issues and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

A Controversial Oversight

Critics of the public health profession often argue that its lack of visibility and measurable outcomes makes it less significant than clinical fields.

However, this view is shortsighted.

The absence of disease outbreaks, improved life expectancy, and reduced healthcare costs are clear indicators of its value.

Moreover, the notion that public health lacks profitability ignores its long-term economic benefits.

For example, vaccination programs save billions in healthcare costs.

They prevent diseases that would otherwise burden healthcare systems.

Shaping the Future

Omotosho and Okoro’s wake-up call is a reminder.

The future of public health depends on the actions of its practitioners.

They must transform frustration into advocacy.

They must also turn inaction into innovation.

By taking charge, public health professionals can ensure their field receives the recognition and support it deserves.

Conclusion

Public health is not optional.

It is essential.

It saves lives, reduces suffering,M and creates healthier communities.

By investing in health and empowering its professionals, Nigeria can build a resilient and equitable healthcare system.

The time to act is now.

The stakes could not be higher.

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