COMPARISON OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN NIGERIA & OTHER COUNTRIESDr A Adeniran MBBS, MPH, FMCPH

Consultant Public Health PhysicianLagos State University (College of Medicine)Nigeria

What are Social Services?• These are essential services under the full responsibility

of the state• Examples: Health, Education, Security, Welfare Services,

etc

Social Service• Services dedicated to enhancing people’s economic and

social wellbeing by helping them lead more stable, healthy, self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.

• This inquiry is primarily concerned with social services that government provides, funds or otherwise supports

Vulnerable Group• The women/girls• The children• The elderly• Poor • People with disabilities

Developed Vs Developing- Well-functioning social system- Social insurance- Welfare Services- Govt. Expenditure on Social Services

Comparison• Coverage: e.g Healthcare UK (90%), USA(85%) China (100%), Nigeria (25-30%)

• Accessibility: Limited in Nigeria compared to most developed countries

Financial, Geographical, etc

• Preventive vs Curativee.g in China, 75% of focus is on preventive, UK (60%)Nigeria ???

Comparison Cont’d• Use of Appropriate Technology• Relevance to the need of people• Investment in social services

Example: New Zealand

Nigeria• <5% of GDP is spent on health compared to 15%

recommended by WHO

Way Forward• Hold Government accountable• Formulate laws in this regard• Advocacy

Questions

Thank you