Adewunmi Emoruwa presenting the LiveWell Longevity Factor Report at the Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja Gatefield, a public affairs and health advocacy organisation, has called for action to address financial hardship, corruption and environmental risks that are undermining Nigerians’ ability to live longer, healthier lives.
The call was made by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Adewunmi Emoruwa, at the Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja, where he presented findings from the LiveWell Longevity Factor Report, which examines the factors shaping Nigerians’ health and life expectancy.
Based on responses from more than 1,000 people surveyed in Abuja, Lagos and Kano, the report found that the conditions affecting how long Nigerians live extend beyond the immediate causes of illness to include the cost of healthcare, experiences with public services and exposure to pollution.
“We asked ourselves the question: why are Nigerians dying younger than they ideally should?” Mr Emoruwa said, explaining that the research sought to identify underlying factors often overlooked in discussions about mortality. He said the findings point to the combined effects of chronic illnesses, financial insecurity and environmental pressures, which make it more difficult for many Nigerians to maintain good health.
Mr Emoruwa presented the findings at the summit, which began on Wednesday and ends on Thursday under the theme, “Scaling What Works”. The event brings together policymakers, public health experts, international development partners and civil society leaders to discuss non-communicable disease prevention and health system reform. One of the report’s findings is the extent to which chronic diseases affect households, including people who are not themselves patients but provide care for relatives.
Mr Emoruwa said one in eight respondents reported caring for someone living with a chronic condition, including diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.