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As Nigeria’s health sector channels most of its resources toward controlling malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, thousands of citizens including children under five are dying quietly from other preventable diseases that receive little or no government attention.
From diarrhoea and pneumonia to kidney disease, diabetes, and stroke, experts say these neglected ailments now cause more deaths than the country’s most funded health programs. Analysts warn that poor health financing, inadequate awareness, and weak interventions are driving a public health crisis that kills silently in homes and hospitals across the nation.
A recent PUNCH Healthwise investigation reveals that diarrhoea, pneumonia, birth asphyxia, diabetes, meningitis, hypertension, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, and road accidents are among the top ten neglected killer conditions in Nigeria.
Health experts say these diseases, largely preventable or treatable, continue to claim lives due to poverty, lack of access to quality care, poor hygiene, and a weak health insurance system.
Diarrhoea: A Leading Killer of Children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) identifies diarrhoea as one of Nigeria’s top killers of children under five, with 135,857 child deaths recorded in 2021.
Paediatrician Dr. Ayodele Renner attributed the high burden to rotavirus infections, malnutrition, and unsafe water, calling for improved immunisation, sanitation, and parental education.
“Diarrhoea can be cured, but when dehydration sets in, death can occur rapidly,” Renner warned, urging government-backed vaccination and hygiene campaigns.
Pneumonia: The Forgotten Killer
Pneumonia remains Nigeria’s number one infectious killer of children under five, responsible for over 94,000 deaths yearly, according to the Federal Ministry of Health.
Pulmonologist Prof. Cajetan Onyedum described the infection as “rampant but underdiagnosed,” noting that many adults and children delay seeking care until complications arise.
He urged vaccination, proper handwashing, and early hospital visits to curb the mortality rate.
Birth Asphyxia: Death Before the First Cry
Failure to breathe at birth, known as birth asphyxia, claimed 79,818 Nigerian children under five in 2021.
Experts link the tragedy to deliveries in unregistered birth centres without skilled attendants.
Paediatrician Prof. Omotayo Adesiyun stressed that “regular antenatal visits and trained health workers are vital to prevent preventable neonatal deaths.”
Diabetes: The Silent Killer
Diabetes quietly claims over 40,000 Nigerian lives annually, with 12–13 million people currently living with the disease, most undiagnosed.
Endocrinologist Prof. Andrew Uloko described diabetes as “a silent killer” often mistaken for malaria or typhoid until it causes irreversible complications like kidney failure or stroke.
He urged nationwide blood sugar screening and enforcement of the sugar tax to reduce excessive consumption of sugary drinks.
Road Accidents: A Public Health Crisis
Road crashes killed over 24,900 Nigerians between 2021 and 2025, according to FRSC data.
Public health specialist Prof. Best Ordinioha blamed poor roads, reckless driving, and weak enforcement of traffic laws.
“Road crashes are not accidents; they’re preventable tragedies. What we need is enforcement, awareness, and infrastructure that value human lives,” he said.
Meningitis: Deadly but Ignored
In 2021, meningitis killed 28,600 Nigerian children under five.
Paediatricians warn that the airborne infection spreads rapidly in overcrowded and unvaccinated communities, yet receives little national attention.
Experts call for mass immunisation, better nutrition, and stronger child health policies.
Cancer: A Growing Epidemic
Cancer is on the rise, with breast and cervical cancers leading causes of death among women.
In 2022 alone, breast cancer killed 16,332 Nigerian women, while 7,093 died from cervical cancer.
Renowned oncologist Prof. Ifeoma Okoye urged mass HPV vaccination, early screening, and mobile cancer units to bring detection services to rural areas.
Hypertension: The Most Common but Most Ignored
About 74 million Nigerians one in three adults suffer from hypertension, according to the Nigerian Hypertension Society.
President Prof. Simeon Isezuo lamented that rising drug prices and poor awareness have worsened the crisis.
“Hypertension kills silently. We must promote regular blood pressure checks, healthy diets, and physical activity,” he said.
Stroke: The Number One Cause of Disability
Nigeria records about 200,000 new stroke cases annually, with an alarming rise among younger adults.
Neurologist Prof. Ikenna Onwuekwe described stroke as “a dream killer” that leaves survivors disabled or dead.
He urged Nigerians to “know their numbers” blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels and the government to strengthen early screening and rehabilitation systems.
Kidney Disease: The Costly Death Sentence
More than 20 million Nigerians suffer from kidney disease, with 45,000 deaths annually, largely due to unaffordable dialysis.
Nephrologist Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi described it as a “silent but devastating epidemic.”
“Less than 10 per cent of patients survive one year on dialysis because most can’t afford it,” he said, calling for subsidies and national insurance coverage.
A Call for Broader Health Investment
Experts warn that without urgent intervention, these neglected diseases will continue to drain Nigeria’s human and economic capital.
They are urging the government to expand the country’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund to include chronic and non-communicable diseases, and to strengthen primary healthcare systems nationwide.
“Malaria and HIV deserve attention,” said Prof. Ordinioha. “But so do the silent killers claiming lives daily in our communities. Health equity means no disease should be ignored.”
