Health Education and Promotion Primary Health Care (PHC) in Nigerian

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Health education and health promotion are fundamental pillars of the primary health care (PHC) system in Nigeria, designed to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health and address the broader social determinants of well-beingObjectives: This study examines the integration, execution, and effectiveness of health education and health promotion initiatives within primary health care facilities in Nigeria, identifying core challenges and exploring pathways for optimization. Methods: Utilizing narrative review framework drawing on contemporary literature, policy documents, and field indicators, this study evaluates how health education is operationalized at the grassroots level. It analyzes the interplay between community participation, health literacy, and primary healthcare delivery models across diverse geopolitical zones. Results: Findings indicate that while health education structures exist—primarily delivered through routine immunization, antenatal care, and community outreach by frontline health workers—their impact is frequently constrained. Major systemic barriers include a shortage of financial investments, dedicated and specialized health promotion personnel, infrastructural deficits, and weak multi-sectorial coordination at the Local Government Area (LGA) level. Conversely, facilities that leverage structured community engagement, localized communication channels, and routine staff training report improved health-seeking behaviors and higher disease-prevention compliance among rural and urban populations. Conclusion: Health education remains an indispensable tool for transforming Nigeria's PHC system from a curative-focused model to a preventive, sustainable powerhouse. Strengthening health promotion requires targeted financial investments, continuous capacity building for frontline personnel, and the deep integration of culturally tailored community participation frameworks to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).