Social Values And Public Health: An Interpretive Development Perspective In Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examines the ongoing public health reform measures, which more or less, encompass the Obasanjo, Yar'Adua and Jonathan's political dispensations (1999-2010) and highlight the collective abdication of social values by Nigerians as a major reason why policy reforms in public health have not succeeded. The neglect of social values and the adversities stemming therefrom are pervasive and apparent across many sectors and social institutions in Nigeria. For example, the spate of divorce in Nigeria is a sign of the travail of the family in contemporary Nigeria. Spiralling unemployment is a symptom of a major crack in the capacity of the economy to employ prospective job seekers. The rise in malaria infection, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS is a clear statement, if one was needed, on the shortcoming of Nigeria's public health delivery system. A system that has failed to recognize the inherent potential of the teeming population and has also failed to conscientise the citizenry on standard precautionary measures against communicable and noncommunicable diseases, is one that requires critical policy intervention. The paper defines social values and conceptualises public health in the context of Nigeria. The role of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and other related Non-Governmental Organisations are examined. The paper argues for a shift from wholesale dependency on the health delivery paradigm of the West to a re-invigoration of the endogenous institutional capacity of Nigeria to deliver dividends in collective health needs and health infrastructures. The paper advocates for a holistic and all embracing reform measures that will optimize the health needs of the citizenry.