MALARIA, TYPHOID BIGGEST CONCERN FOR 78% OF NIGERIANS ---SURVEY

                 

Malaria and typhoid are the biggest health concern for Nigerians, a nationwide survey has found.

Some 78% of respondents ranked both conditions their biggest health concern in a survey by the Hala Nigeria, a project of the Internationaal Centre for Journalists, ICFJ.   

Diabetes was a big health probelm for only 12% of those who took part in the survey and cancer was a concern for only 10%.

HIV/AIDS and polio, which receive high profile intervention, received the lowest rankings.

More than one third of over 1,000 people who took part urged government to spend more money building health facilities near their homes.

Up to 71% of Nigerians described themselves as healthy but more than 60% had been to a doctor.

More than one in three of those who went never had tests done, the survey showed.

ICFJ vice president for programmes, Patrick Butler, said the survey conducted by polling firm NOI Polls and funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, gave Nigerians chance to speak their biggest concerns.

"Now that they have spoken, journalists and health officials can take note as they seek to address public concerns."

The poll showed malaria still ranked high despite efforts in mosquito control, bednet campaign and treatment, said Dr Omokhudu Idogho, programme director at Society for Family Health, an ICFJ partner.

But the concern about malaria is not surprising because "where our knowledge is at the moment, almost every fever is considered malaria," said Dr Idogho.