THE POLITICS OF SATISFYING BASIC NEEDS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR: THE ROLE OF THE W.H.O. IN THE PROMOTION OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY (ORT) IN NIGERIA

THE POLITICS OF SATISFYING BASIC NEEDS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR: THE ROLE OF THE W.H.O. IN THE PROMOTION OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY (ORT) IN NIGERIA

Abstract:

This study examines the relationship between the Nigerian state and external forces such as the WHO and Multi-National Corporations (MNC) and how they shape Nigeria’s health policy. The state-centric approach was used as the tool of analysis of public health policy. The study concluded that the marxist conception of the state and public policy was more appropriate for the understanding of the nature of Nigeria’s health policy. The relationship between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Industry was made the nature of this relationship examined and how it influences Nigeria’s health policy. The study also looked at the nature of Nigeria’s health policy from the colonial era till date and the evolution of Nigeria’s health services. It was shown that Nigeria’s health services evolved from the activities of missionaries and colonial military. The colonial health policy was characterised by an urban based medical set up which neglected the rural population, a maldistributions which is seen in Nigeria’s present health care delivery system. The influence of the WHO in Nigeria’s health policy is seen in the policy making and implementation of the primary Health CAre (PHC), Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) promotion in Nigeria. The case study of ORT demonstrated that such externally directed policies are not solely for the benefit of the Nigerian populace but actually are in the interest of the dominant class in society who recognise and accumulate international capital. In a capitalist society the pursuit of health is no different the pursuit of profit. The state apparatus is used in the pursuance of this interest which runs contrary to the interest of the generality of the population. The study concludes with the fact that it is only by the replacement of this state apparatus with a proletarian state, the state policies will be more people directed.

THE POLITICS OF SATISFYING BASIC NEEDS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR: THE ROLE OF THE W.H.O. IN THE PROMOTION OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY (ORT) IN NIGERIA