Federal Republic of Nigeria, commonly called Nigeria is a beautiful country, rich in culture and resources. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, the population is estimated to be almost 200 million; Nigeria comprises of 36 states, the capital is Abuja. Although multiple languages are spoken in Nigeria, the official language is English.
Most of the economic growth in Nigeria is driven by agriculture, telecommunications and services. I believe Nigeria has an emerging market for numerous industries such as fashion, entertainment, technology and tourism. With greater opportunities for us millennials than ever before, Nigeria has a bright future internationally.
Innovative medical practise and research is far from a new occurrence on the African continent, with advances in technology and medical research, medicine in Nigeria is improving and gaining greater international attention. These are a few examples of Nigeria’s success:
On 20thOctober 2014 the World Health Organisation declared Nigeria free from the Ebola virus transmission. Outbreaks occurred in Lagos (the largest city in Africa) and Port Harcourt in July-August 2014 after a Liberian traveller infected with Ebola brought the virus to Lagos on 20thJuly 2014. Successful eradication was due to prompt action and leadership, effective contact tracing, public health campaigns and support from other organisations. Nigerian healthcare has had many other successes such as the eradication of Guinea Worm Disease in 2014, over many years Nigeria had the greatest number of cases worldwide, out of 3.5 million cases 650,000 cases occurred in Nigeria.
Cervical and breast cancer screening is increasing in the country, greater efforts are seen in all forms of industry to promote women’s health. The fashion and entertainment industry eagerly support this movement of breast and cervical cancer awareness.
Fly Doctors of Nigeria is Nigeria’s first air ambulance service, transporting patients from rural to urban settings for specialist healthcare. There are 20 aircrafts and 47 members of staff including 44 doctors; Fly Doctors of Nigeria was established in 2007 by Dr Olamide Orekunrin, a British born Nigerian.
Like many African countries Nigeria has further to go in ensuring equal access to quality healthcare, reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, national security, social housing, education and economic development. These are opportunities for us to make a difference. To make a positive sustainable change.
So why not Nigeria!? A medical elective or other clinical placement in Nigeria will not just broaden your medical experience on tropical medicine but will also amaze you with the Nigerian cuisine, hospitality, climate and adventures.
“My mind and heart was set on travelling to Nigeria for my medical elective program in 2016, but I was quickly frustrated as I ran in to obstacle after obstacle. Despite the overall amazing and life changing experience I had, I found the organisation process very challenging and I often felt disheartened as I tried to organise my medical elective in Nigeria as a final year medical student living in the UK. (Click hereto know more about my elective experience). That’s why I’ve decided to support medical students organise their elective in Nigeria! I want to remove the tediousness and anxiety which is often a result of poor communication with hospitals, feelings of insecurity, worries about safety and other concerns that can lead to you giving up your dream and resorting to a basic elective in your home country or a less stressful alternative.” Dr Oworu MBChB
medicsinn.com 