By: Adeola Adetoye
July 11th is World Population Day, a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about global population issues. With the world’s population surpassing 7.9 billion people, the impact on health is becoming increasingly significant. This article examines the complex relationship between population growth and health, emphasizing challenges, opportunities, and the need for action, narrowing it down to Nigeria.
Demographic Changes and Health Implications
By 2050, the world’s population is predicted to reach 9.7 billion, with the most substantial growth expected in developing countries such as; India, Nigeria, Pakistan and some other countries. This demographic shift strains healthcare systems, aggravating existing challenges. As the population grows, the demand for healthcare services, resources, infrastructure, and personnel also increases. Nigeria’s population is projected to grow over 377 million people by 2050, putting a strain on the country’s healthcare system. The rapid growth rate is fueled by a high fertility rate, with an average of 5.3 children per woman.
Reproductive Health and Family Planning
Access to contraception and reproductive health services plays an essential role in managing population growth. When individuals, especially women, have control over their reproductive choices, population growth slows down. On the other hand, the lack of access to contraception and reproductive health services leads to unplanned pregnancies, increased maternal and child mortality, and perpetuates cycles of poverty. The UNFPA estimates that 257 million women in developing countries lack access to modern contraceptive methods, resulting in approximately 121 million unintended pregnancies annually. In Nigeria, access to family planning resources is limited, particularly in rural areas. This leads to a high number of unintended pregnancies, maintaining cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. According to WHO, the country’s maternal mortality rate is among the highest in the world, with approximately 814 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Infectious Diseases and Population Growth
Population density enables the spread of infectious diseases, as was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. As populations grow, the risk of transmission also increases, making vaccination efforts and disease containment more challenging. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified population growth as a significant factor in the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in urban areas where sanitation and hygiene may be compromised.
As the population grows in Nigeria, so does the burden of infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. The country’s healthcare infrastructure is often overwhelmed, leading to inadequate care and poor health outcomes.
Non-Communicable Diseases and Population Growth
Population growth also contributes to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. As populations age, healthcare systems face increased load in managing and treating NCDs. The WHO estimates that NCDs account for approximately 74% of global deaths, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare systems are often overwhelmed. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are also on the rise, further straining the healthcare system in Nigeria.
Healthcare Workforce and Infrastructure
Training and retaining healthcare workers in heavily populated areas pose serious challenges. Moreover, adequate healthcare infrastructure is important to support growing populations. Insufficient infrastructure leads to decreased access to care, worsening health disparities. According to the WHO, many countries will face shortfall of about 10 million health workers by 2030, mostly in low and lower-middle income countries.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As we observe World Population Day, we recognize the intricate relationship between population growth and health. Addressing population growth is crucial for ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for all. We must work together to address the health implications of population growth, prioritizing investments in reproductive health services, healthcare infrastructure, and workforce development. By doing so, we can create a world where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. Addressing Nigeria’s population growth requires a multifaceted approach that includes investments in family planning services, healthcare infrastructure, and workforce development. By prioritizing healthcare and family planning, Nigeria can create a healthier, more sustainable future for its citizens.
