Health experts have asked the Nigerian government to ensure the integration of self-care into the national health strategy, noting it is a sure way to reduce the pressure on the country’s health systems.
The experts noted that self-care is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for improving outcomes in the country’s healthcare system and increasing access to care for individuals and communities.
Urging the government to create more awareness on self-care, Dr Samuel Oyeniyi, the Head of Reproductive Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasised that self-care will supplement health services rather than replace direct interaction with the system.
In a presentation at a virtual self-care awareness-building workshop for media professionals, organised by the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Dr Oyeniyi noted, “Self-care shall not be a cost-shifting mechanism from the government or existing health care financing structure to clients. It shall be safe, effective, and able to reach individuals who may not be
able to access health services”.
He said, “During the COVID-19 period, many people didn’t know what to do and couldn’t access healthcare services.
“This is why we must now look back and ask how the quality of care be improved even from our homes? Self-care must become part of our lives, individually, as families, and as communities.”
Oyeniyi described self-care as a necessary form of preparedness, not just during emergencies, but as a continuous lifestyle choice.
The Chairperson, Board of Trustees at White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Dr Nana Chidi Emmanuel on her part, emphasised the role of media professionals in creating awareness on self care.
She said, “Self-care represents a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare delivery, empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take greater control of their health.
”In a country with challenges in healthcare access, self-care interventions offer practical, cost-effective solutions that can significantly improve health outcomes.
“Through your various platforms, you can help normalise discussions around sexual and reproductive health and offer resources that empower individuals,” she told journalists.
Speaking on behalf of the Self-Care Trailblazer Group, George Kapiyo, said self-care addresses access gaps in health services, especially in low-resource settings.
“It supports health equity and autonomy, especially for marginalised populations; reduces burden on overstretched health systems and facilities; addresses shortages in the health workforce; and enhances autonomy and health literacy among individuals.
According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, self-care interventions is necessary for every country as a critical path to reaching universal health coverage.
It described self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease, and cope with illness, with or without the support of a health or care worker, using medicines, devices, diagnostic and digital tools.
The workshop, themed “Media as a Catalyst for Advancing Self-care for Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health (SRMH) in Nigeria,” is part of efforts to engender media involvement in promoting self-care practices.
