Public health is more than hospitals and treatment; it is the foundation of a nation’s economic strength.
In Nigeria, where millions still face health challenges and medical costs consume household income, experts argue that neglecting public health is not only a social issue but also an economic one.
In this interview with Naija News, Yusuf Hassan Wada, a Health Policy and Advocacy Officer, African Region, Society for Family Health, discusses the deep link between public health and economic growth, and why Nigeria must prioritise healthcare investment to secure its future.
Yusuf Hassan Wada explains how underfunded health systems threaten Nigeria’s productivity, household welfare, and long-term development.
Question: Public health is often discussed to medicine, but many people do not see its link with the economy. How would you explain the connection between public health and economic growth?
Yusuf Wada, “Economic growth and public health are deeply interconnected. At low levels of development, improvements in health lead to significant gains in productivity and national growth.
“When people are healthier, they tend to live longer, work more efficiently, and contribute more meaningfully to the economy.
“Conversely, a high disease burden drains resources, reduces life expectancy, and limits the productive capacity of the workforce.
“In Nigeria, where communicable and non-communicable diseases are still prevalent, investing in public health is not just a social responsibility; it is an economic strategy that drives productivity, reduces healthcare costs, and strengthens long-term growth.”
Question: In what specific ways does poor health reduce productivity in Nigeria’s workforce?
Yusuf Wada, “Poor health reduces productivity through absenteeism, presenteeism (workers showing up but performing below capacity), and early mortality.
“For example, malaria alone is estimated to cost Nigeria billions of naira annually in lost work hours.
“Chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes reduce the ability of skilled professionals to work at their full potential.
“In agriculture and informal sectors, which make up much of Nigeria’s workforce, illness directly reduces output, leading to food insecurity and loss of income for families.
“Ultimately, poor health creates a vicious cycle: lower productivity weakens household income and slows national growth.”
Question: Outbreaks such as COVID-19, cholera, and Lassa fever disrupt communities. What kind of impact do these health crises have on businesses and the economy at large?
YusufWada, “Health crises have both immediate and long-term economic consequences.
“COVID-19, for instance, shut down businesses, disrupted supply chains, and forced governments to redirect funds from development projects to emergency health responses.
“Cholera and Lassa fever outbreaks reduce productivity in affected regions and erode investor confidence.
“For small and medium-sized enterprises, even temporary disruptions mean job losses and reduced output.
“In the long term, frequent outbreaks create instability, discourage investment, and increase public sector spending on emergency interventions rather than preventive care.”
Question: Investment in healthcare is sometimes seen as a cost rather than a benefit. How does proper funding of health services contribute to Nigeria’s economic development?
Yusuf Wada: “Healthcare investment is one of the most cost-effective drivers of economic development.
“Every naira invested in preventive and primary healthcare saves multiples in avoided hospital costs and productivity losses.
“For Nigeria, strengthening healthcare financing ensures a healthier workforce, attracts investors who value stable environments, and reduces poverty caused by out-of-pocket health expenditures.
“Countries that achieved rapid development, like those in East Asia, made deliberate investments in health and education.
“Nigeria must view health not as a drain, but as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.”
Question: Many families struggle with the high cost of treating non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. What is the financial burden of such illnesses on Nigerian households and the government?
Yusuf Wada: “Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impose a heavy double burden.
“For households, the cost of drugs, hospital visits, and complications often consumes a significant portion of income, pushing many families into poverty.
“For government, NCDs increase long-term health spending, divert resources from other priorities, and strain already limited health budgets.
“Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs require lifelong management, which means the financial burden grows over time.
“Without early detection and prevention, Nigeria risks facing an NCD crisis that will erode both household welfare and national economic stability.”
Question: Access to quality healthcare is not equal for everyone, particularly between rural and urban areas. How does this inequality affect Nigeria’s productivity?
Yusuf Wada: “Health inequality reduces national productivity because a large portion of the workforce is left behind.
“Rural populations, which are heavily engaged in agriculture, face high maternal and child mortality, poor immunisation coverage, and limited emergency care.
“This weakens food security and rural income generation.
“Urban workers may have better access, but costs are still high, forcing many into out-of-pocket spending that reduces household savings.
“When health access is unequal, national growth is uneven. Nigeria cannot fully harness its demographic dividend if rural communities remain underserved.”
Question: Nigeria has tried to expand health insurance schemes. Do you think health insurance can reduce the economic hardship caused by medical expenses?
Yusuf Wada: “Yes, health insurance is a critical tool to reduce economic hardship.
“Currently, over 70% of healthcare financing in Nigeria is out-of-pocket, which drives millions into poverty each year.
“Expanding health insurance particularly through the National Health Insurance Authority and state-based schemes, helps spread risk, reduces catastrophic spending, and ensures more predictable funding for health facilities.
“However, success depends on scaling coverage, integrating informal sector workers, and ensuring transparency in the management of funds.
“If adequately implemented, health insurance can protect households from financial shocks and improve national productivity.”
Question: What role do public-private partnerships play in improving both health outcomes and Nigeria’s economy?
Yusuf Wada: “Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential for bridging Nigeria’s health financing and infrastructure gaps.
“The private sector brings innovation, efficiency, and capital, while the government provides regulation and equity safeguards.
“Examples include partnerships in pharmaceutical supply chains, diagnostic services, and health insurance administration.
“Beyond health outcomes, PPPs create jobs, stimulate local industries, and build investor confidence.
“For Nigeria, leveraging PPPs means the government can focus scarce resources on priority areas while ensuring wider access and better quality of healthcare.”
Question: The COVID-19 pandemic showed how fragile both health systems and economies can be. What lessons should Nigeria take from that experience?
Yusuf Wada: “The pandemic highlighted the importance of preparedness, domestic capacity, and resilient health systems.
“Nigeria learned that over-reliance on imports for vaccines, PPE, and medical supplies is risky.
“It also showed that weak primary healthcare systems are unable to withstand shocks.
“We must invest in the local manufacturing of health commodities, strengthen disease surveillance, and ensure universal access to health coverage.
“Economically, COVID-19 reminded us that health crises are also economic crises.
“Building resilience in health systems is the best insurance policy for protecting the economy.”
Question: Finally, if public health continues to be underfunded, what risks do you foresee for Nigeria’s economic future?
Yusuf Wada: “If health continues to be underfunded, Nigeria risks losing its demographic dividend.
“A sick, unproductive population will undermine economic growth, deepen poverty, and increase inequality.
“Out-of-pocket spending will continue to push families into hardship, while preventable diseases will keep straining health budgets.
“Moreover, weak health systems deter foreign investment, as businesses prioritize countries with stable and healthy workforces.
“In the long run, underfunding health is not just a public health risk; it is an economic time bomb for Nigeria’s future.”
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