Nigeria’s health sector faces acute challenges even as innovators redefine its future.
Public financing remains well below global benchmarks: the 2024 federal budget allocated about N1.34 trillion to health just around 4.6% of the total budget far short of the 15% Abuja Declaration target.
Many states also under‑spend on health relative to their budgets, with actual execution rates lagging allocations. Out‑of‑pocket payments, though improving, still account for a majority of health spending, reaching about 58.3% in 2024, exposing households to financial hardship.
Health outcomes remain uneven: Nigeria’s under‑five mortality rate is among the world’s highest at over 100 deaths per 1,000 live births, while infant and neonatal deaths also persist at worrying levels. Maternal mortality continues to drive concern, with the country contributing a substantial share of global maternal deaths due to limited access to quality obstetric care.
Despite these systemic gaps in funding, infrastructure, and outcomes, visionary women founders are leading solutions from supply chain innovations and primary care platforms to diagnostics, health education, and community‑driven services—transforming Nigeria’s health landscape and expanding access to quality care across communities.
Stephanie O. Omoarebun is a public health and diagnostics advocate driving health systems strengthening, youth leadership, and women’s development across Nigeria. A Medical Laboratory Scientist with over eight years of experience, she has built a career spanning diagnostics, community health programming, health promotion, and systems development. Her work focuses on improving quality, equity, and sustainability in healthcare through robust diagnostic systems, preventive strategies, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Stephanie currently serves as the first female National Secretary of the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists Forum (YMLSF) Nigeria, where she oversees national governance, strategic coordination, and policy advocacy across state chapters.
Previously, as the first female Chairperson of YMLSF FCT Branch, she launched the Laboratory Mentorship Initiative, strengthening career development and leadership among emerging laboratory professionals.
She is Founder and Executive Director of The Labcoat Agency, a nonprofit delivering public health campaigns, medical outreaches, and community-centred programs targeting cancer awareness, vaccination advocacy, early detection, and health literacy. Stephanie also founded Abuja Medical Fest, creating interactive spaces that integrate healthcare delivery, education, and community engagement.
These healthcare juggernauts don’t get enough of their flowers. They’re doing amazing! Especially those on the services side