Nigeria is a blessed country. Yet there are lots of challenges being faced daily, which cut across all systems including the educational system and the health system. Every citizen kept craving for change but the more we crave for change the more things get worse. The government is not helping matters. Hardly can a family eat three square meals per day. The rate of inflation increases day by day. Even though we know the government has a part to play in making the country a better place for each citizen. Yet let's not forget we as an individual have a part to play in making our country a better place.
As a microbiologist, I see a lot of challenges being encountered in our healthcare systems which include inadequate equipment and health workers in our various hospitals. Many of the Nigerian health workers have travelled out of the country for a greener pasture. Even those that are left behind are also making plans of leaving the country as a result of re-current challenges been encountered within health systems.
The rich preferred to travel out to get better healthcare while the masses kept suffering. The repercussion fell back on many when they no longer had the privilege to travel out of the country during the COVID-19 era.
Based on my profession, I pay due diligence to work and ensure I adhere to health practices. There were series of conferences i organised for public awareness on the importance of Personal hygiene.
Recently, I embark on a research project on malaria. Malaria is very common in Nigeria. Of which despite preventive measures are being put in place to curb this malaria infection yet the infection persists day by day. The research was aimed to analyze the performance of various diagnostic techniques in the detection of malaria infection. This research was done to enlighten health professionals, stakeholders and the public on the importance of early detection of malaria using appropriate diagnostic methods.
This research was one of the biggest research I have ever done. It takes time, effort, and money to complete the research. In fact, I had to gather about 247 blood samples from different participants. I traveled far to a laboratory that had the required equipment I needed to carry out the research. But the joy is that through it all, the research was able to help and strengthen the healthcare system in my country.
Many of my colleagues thought it was a waste of time embarking on such project, but doing this was because of the love I have towards my country. If we as a citizen can do our best to add value to our country, i believe this country will have been a better place.
Many might not have funds to do a capital project but through living a life of integrity, obeying rules and regulations, and consistent payment of taxes, we can make it a better place.
Let's not put the whole load on the government alone, I believe when each citizen contributes his or her part to the growth of this country then Nigeria will become a better place.