Fueled by a deep conviction that health is a fundamental human right, Alden is advocating for essential healthcare access, especially for marginalized communities that are frequently overlooked due to systemic barriers. During a recent event in Abuja, Alden delivered a passionate appeal to stakeholders, stating, “Every Nigerian deserves access to basic health services, irrespective of their location or socio-economic background.”
These remarks resonate profoundly in a country where over 70 million individuals live below the poverty line, struggling to obtain even the most basic healthcare services. Alden shared moving accounts of everyday Nigerians who endure hardships due to deficiencies in the healthcare system.
He recounted the experience of a young mother from rural Kano, who trekked for hours to reach a clinic, only to discover it was critically under-resourced and lacking essential staff.
“Consider the anguish of parents who cannot secure help for their children due to insufficient resources,” Alden expressed, capturing the frustration experienced by numerous families throughout Nigeria.
In Benue State, a farmer faced a similar plight; his daughter was denied care at a health facility because he could not pay the fees. Reflecting on this incident, Alden articulated the farmer’s despair: “How can we aspire to build a thriving nation when our children are succumbing to preventable illnesses?”
The statistics highlight the severity of the crisis. Nigeria currently allocates approximately $40 per capita for healthcare, a stark deviation from the World Health Organization’s recommended $86.
Alden contends that this underfunding necessitates an urgent reevaluation of government policy. “Investing in health is investing in our future,” he emphasized, urging policymakers to direct more resources toward healthcare, particularly for underserved populations such as women, children, and those in rural areas.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s healthcare system, leading Alden to champion the need for comprehensive reform.
He asserted, “Healthcare should not be a privilege; it should be a right,” highlighting the necessity for a robust health sector that caters to the most disadvantaged populations.
Alden called on stakeholders to reevaluate healthcare delivery, promoting a framework that ensures equitable access for all citizens. His dedication to universal health coverage has sparked optimism among numerous Nigerians.
Alden’s vision transcends mere policy goals; it serves as a vital support for families in distress. He emphasized, “Health equity is not just a lofty goal; it is an urgent imperative,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with stakeholders and advocates.
For mothers in Kano and fathers in Benue, Alden’s advocacy symbolizes a future where every Nigerian has the opportunity to receive essential healthcare services.