THE ALMA-ATA DECLARATION AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN ZARIA. NIGERIA

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THE ALMA-ATA DECLARATION AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN ZARIA. NIGERIA

Abstract

The Alma-Ata convention of 1978 on primary health marks a water shed in the development of health care system world-wide. It established international standards meant to be observed and enforced by all member countries that were a party to its ratification. The Federal Repubbc of Nigeria was a member state in the draft of the convention. By adopting the primary health care approach, the government of Nigeria agreed by implication that it has a responsibility for the health of all the its people which shall be fulfilled by the provision of adequately available, accessible and acceptable health and social services. The citizens shall also have the right and duty to participate individually .and collectively in the planning and implementation of these services. Ten years after the establishment of the National health policy in 1987, a sequel of the Alma- Ata convention, this study reviewed the various decision making process involved in policy formulation and implementation of the National health policy. The study also reviewed the success and impact of the health policy on the health care delivery system in Nigeria. The elite theory was employed as the conceptual framework The effect of economic changes of the period between 1987 and 1997 notably the Structural Adjustment Program on health care delivery system in the country was also examined. Merc the SAP was noted to have significantly retarded and diversified the development of health sector. Its effect was wide spread involving both human capital and material resources. In a case study, this project utilised a quasi experimental research design (questionnaire method, and sample size of two hundred and fifty) to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of women between the ages of fifteen and forty five on reproductive health issues like early marriage, use of contraception, abortion and some negative cultural practices notably post partum hot bath and consumption of potash. The findings were rather disappointing- with over 75% of the respondents still having a lot of misconceptions and actually employ negative health practices in their daily lives. The success of the national policy in educating these women was thus established to be far from expected. The study ended by making broad policy recommendations, which could lead to better educate the policy makers, health professionals and the intended target group. It would also bring about greater equity in resource allocation and indeed extend social services including health, a fundamental human requirement to all Nigerians irrespective of their social class!

THE ALMA-ATA DECLARATION AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN ZARIA. NIGERIA

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