From Lassa To Cholera: Nigeria’s Unending Outbreaks And The Workforce Crisis Driving Them

By Arise Victor Oluwaseyifunmi

Introduction

Nigeria’s health sector is facing increasing pressure from a combination of infectious disease outbreaks, long-standing endemic illnesses, and a deepening workforce crisis. These challenges continue to expose structural weaknesses in how the country organizes and deploys its healthcare professionals. While efforts have been made in some regions, the overall system still struggles with prevention, preparedness, and effective response.

The Growing Burden of Disease

The country has witnessed a troubling rise in disease outbreaks. Between January and mid-March 2026, Lassa Fever claimed over 160 lives, with 637 confirmed cases. Even more concerning is the increase in the case fatality rate to 25.1%, compared to 18.4% during the same period in 2025. This indicates not just the presence of disease, but a worsening ability to manage it effectively.

In addition, ten states have been placed on high alert due to expected heavy rainfall and flooding, conditions that significantly increase the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases. Despite these warnings, preparedness efforts remain insufficient.

The burden extends beyond outbreaks. Nigeria recorded 20,838 new HIV infections between January and March 2026. Tuberculosis cases reached a record 458,534 in 2025 and are projected to rise further in 2026. These figures highlight a healthcare system under strain from both emerging and persistent health threats.

The Workforce Crisis

A critical shortage of healthcare workers continues to worsen the situation. The number of practicing doctors has dropped from 55,000 to about 40,000 within a year, far below the estimated 300,000 needed to serve a population of over 220 million people.

However, the problem goes beyond numbers. Nigeria has trained public health professionals, yet many are underutilized or excluded from roles that align with their expertise. As a result, clinicians are often forced to handle both treatment and preventive responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies, burnout, and reduced quality of care.

Structural and Policy Challenges

The issue is deeply rooted in how the health system is structured. Public health departments exist across various government agencies, but they are not adequately staffed with the right professionals. This gap weakens disease surveillance, early detection, and community-level prevention.

There are also concerns about recent moves to centralize regulatory authority across health professions. Such efforts risk creating dominance by a single cadre rather than fostering the collaboration needed to address complex health challenges. No single group can solve Nigeria’s health crisis alone.

A Model for Progress: Lagos State

Lagos State has taken a significant step forward by integrating public health professionals into its health workforce. This approach strengthens prevention, emergency preparedness, and outbreak response. It demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when the right expertise is placed at the center of the system.

There is a clear need for the federal government and other states to adopt similar strategies. Nigeria’s future health outcomes depend not only on treating diseases but on preventing them.

The Way Forward

To address these challenges, Nigeria must prioritize three key actions:

• Nationwide recruitment of public health professionals into appropriate roles.
• Clear separation of responsibilities, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care while public health experts lead prevention efforts.
• Stronger collaboration across all health professions, built on mutual respect and shared goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Nigeria experiencing repeated disease outbreaks?

Repeated outbreaks are largely due to weak prevention systems, poor surveillance, and inadequate investment in public health infrastructure and workforce.

2. What role do public health professionals play?

Public health professionals focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and managing population-level health risks, which are critical in stopping outbreaks before they spread.

3. Why is there a shortage of healthcare workers?

The shortage is caused by factors such as migration of professionals, insufficient recruitment, and poor workforce planning.

4. How can Nigeria improve its health system?

By investing in public health, properly utilizing trained professionals, improving collaboration, and strengthening emergency preparedness systems.

5. What makes Lagos State’s approach different?

Lagos has integrated public health professionals into its workforce, focusing on prevention and preparedness rather than just treatment.

Conclusion

Nigeria cannot effectively stop disease outbreaks without addressing its workforce challenges. The current system places too much emphasis on treatment while neglecting prevention. By empowering public health professionals, improving workforce structure, and encouraging collaboration, the country can build a more resilient health system.

The cost of inaction is simply too high. Nigeria must act now to secure a healthier future for its population.

Arise Victor Oluwaseyifunmi
Writer & Author | Young Academic
Public Health Researcher
Health Systems Reform Advocate | Pan-Africanist