Mortality and Morbidity in Nigeria: The Relevance of Ageing Theories to Health and Demography of Ageing

Abstract

Morbidity and mortality of all variants remain high in Nigeria despite various interventions by the government. This has affected the realisation of some of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) on maternal health. Data on mortality and morbidity are very essential in disease assessment, monitoring and evaluation of health policies in Nigeria. This study examined mortality and morbidity in conjunction with the relevance of aging theories to health and demography of aging in Nigeria through extensive review of literatures. Findings revealed that the high prevalence of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria has affected life expectancy rate of Nigerians and other human development indices (HDI), thereby reducing the rank of the country in terms of standard of living and achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It was concluded that to reduce the high rate of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and achieve demographic dividend for sustainable development in the country, addressing the various socio-demographic factors that have accelerated morbidity and mortality rates will go a long way in reducing the high prevalence witnessed in Nigeria. Understanding the ageing theories will also help the government and other policy makers in formulating appropriate policies and implementing necessary programmes relating to monitoring mortality and morbidity trends for achieving demographic dividend in Nigeria.