Market traders in Nigeria face a growing health crisis, with Hypertension and Diabetes becoming increasingly common among them. In an interview with Punch Healthwise, the Medical Director of General Hospital Mushin, Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, highlighted that many traders are unaware of their health status due to irregular check-ups and limited access to medical care. Speaking during a free medical outreach organised in collaboration with the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Taiwo noted that poor dietary habits, financial constraints, and a lack of awareness contribute to the prevalence of these non-communicable diseases. She stressed that the initiative aimed to bridge the gap in healthcare access, providing screenings, consultations, and essential medications to affected traders.
To bridge the gap in healthcare access, the hospital, in collaboration with the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, organised a free medical outreach programme. The initiative provided market traders with medications, health screenings, and consultations, focusing primarily on hypertension and diabetes management. Taiwo noted that while some traders were aware of their conditions, financial limitations often prevented them from seeking proper treatment and follow-up care. She emphasised that regular health checks and proper Education on diet and lifestyle choices could significantly reduce the risks associated with these diseases.
Regular check-ups are essential to preventing hypertension.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Rasaq Ajala, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to improving healthcare services for residents. He highlighted ongoing efforts to establish more primary health centres, recruit medical personnel, and expand access to free medical services. Ajala urged residents to take charge of their health by undergoing regular check-ups and making informed lifestyle choices. The outreach programme featured specialists from various medical fields, including physiotherapy, dental care, obstetrics, ophthalmology, and paediatrics, ensuring that market traders received comprehensive healthcare support.
Tackling the rising cases of hypertension and diabetes among market traders requires more than periodic medical outreaches; it demands a long-term commitment to structural healthcare reforms and targeted Public Health initiatives. While free screenings and consultations provide immediate relief, they do not address the underlying economic and infrastructural challenges that make traders particularly vulnerable to these conditions. A comprehensive approach, involving better healthcare financing, improved market environments, and sustained awareness campaigns, is essential in reversing this trend. Without such efforts, Nigeria risks seeing a continued surge in preventable diseases, placing further strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
Traders neglect their health amid daily struggles.
One major issue contributing to this health crisis is the nature of market trading itself. Many traders spend long hours in poorly ventilated, overcrowded spaces, often consuming unhealthy, carbohydrate-heavy meals due to the affordability and convenience of street food. The physically demanding nature of their work, combined with financial pressures, leaves little room for prioritising health. Without targeted interventions addressing these structural and economic factors, lifestyle adjustments will remain difficult to implement, making preventive healthcare less effective in the long run.
Additionally, healthcare affordability remains a critical challenge. Many market traders operate in the informal sector and lack access to health insurance, making medical expenses a heavy financial burden. Even when diagnosed, the high cost of medications and specialist consultations discourages them from seeking proper care. Expanding health Insurance schemes to include informal workers and subsidising essential medications for chronic illnesses could significantly improve health outcomes. Without such measures, the cycle of poor health and financial hardship will persist, affecting both individuals and the broader economy.
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Ultimately, efforts to combat hypertension and diabetes must go beyond short-term medical interventions and address the root causes of these health challenges. Sustainable Solutions require a multi-sectoral approach involving government support, Private Sector participation, and community-driven initiatives. By improving access to affordable healthcare, promoting healthier food options, and enhancing public health education, Nigeria can mitigate the long-term impact of these non-communicable diseases. Without sustained commitment, the burden of preventable illnesses will continue to rise, threatening the well-being of millions and straining the country’s healthcare infrastructure.