Nigeria's financing of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations

An analysis of the financing of Nigeria's health-care system in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was conducted. Nigeria projected that it would need US$330 million to control its COVID-19 pandemic. However, it raised more than US$560.52 million, of which more than 90% came from the private sector and the donor/philanthropist community. The pooled COVID-19 fund is mainly being expended on temporary public health and clinical care measures, with little invested to strengthen the health system beyond the pandemic. The poor turn-around time for COVID-19 test results and the stigma associated with the disease results in most persons with mild to moderate symptoms seeking care from alternatives to the health-care institutions designated for COVID-19 health care. The huge out-of-pocket expenses, and the inability of most Nigerians to earn money because of measures instituted to contain the pandemic, will likely cause many Nigerians to become economically impoverished by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19-related commodity procurement was least responsive to the needs of those most in need of care and support. The government needs to institute several fiscal policies. Immediate response to ease the financial impact of COVID-19 require inclusion of COVID-19 management in health insurance packages and an increase in domestic government health spending.

Automated summary

Nigeria raised over $560.52 million to combat COVID-19, with more than 90% coming from the private sector and donors. However, the funds are primarily being used for temporary measures, rather than long-term health system strengthening. The stigma and slow testing process lead many individuals to seek care outside of designated COVID-19 healthcare facilities.