Has the Pandemic Worsened Inequalities in Access to Healthcare for Displaced Populations in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, access to healthcare services for forcibly displaced populations has always been a major challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened these inequalities, revealing significant disparities between men and women, regions, and population groups. Before the health crisis, nearly 83% of women and 82% of men among these populations had access to care. During the pandemic, these figures dropped to 75% for women and 71% for men.

The barriers to accessing healthcare multiplied during the pandemic. Movement restrictions, fear of contracting the virus, and stigmatization played a key role. However, some factors paradoxically facilitated access to health services. For example, people living in Borno State, where humanitarian infrastructure is better developed, continued to benefit from better access. Similarly, members of host communities, often better integrated, saw their chances of accessing care increase during the pandemic.

People originally from Cameroon also found it easier to obtain care during this period, likely due to cross-border partnerships and a better understanding of local health systems. Conversely, refugees returning to their country of origin faced greater difficulties due to persistent administrative barriers and discrimination.

The high costs of care and transportation, often cited as major obstacles, actually pushed some populations to get closer to medical facilities or to adopt alternative solutions, such as self-medication. The fear of contracting COVID-19 also prompted some to seek care more frequently, out of fear of the consequences of infection.

Married individuals generally had better access to care, thanks to stronger support networks. However, men were overall disadvantaged due to social norms that encourage them to neglect their health and increased economic difficulties during the pandemic.

This study highlights the importance of strengthening inclusive health policies by training healthcare staff in cultural sensitivity and improving access to essential medicines. It also shows that displaced populations, despite obstacles, find ways to overcome difficulties to meet their urgent needs. A targeted approach, taking into account the specificities of each group, remains essential to ensure equitable access to care, especially during crises.

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Reference Work

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01579-w

Title: Barriers, facilitators, and accessibility to health services among people of concern before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

Journal: Discover Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Oluwatoyin Aladejebi; Clifford Odimegwu; Million Phiri; Joshua Akinyemi