THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111
Volume 12, No. 2, (2014)
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/4102/12(0290)
Health Risks and Healthcare Delivery in Flood Disaster Affected Communities in Southwest Nigeria
Kabiru K. Salami*, Isaac A. Adedeji, Matthew Ayegboyin & Nneka L. Umego
Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: kabsalami@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
The incidence of flooding is becoming highly prevalent in Nigeria. The causes range from the depletion of atmospheric elements through carbon emission, illicit dumping of refuse in waterways, unfriendly physical planning and erection of structures along flood plains. Persons in flood affected communities are highly susceptible to stressrelated health challenges, including cholera and pyretic illnesses, which mostly affect women and children. This study interrogates the structural readiness of the Nigerian health system and the capacity to address disasters and the illness/disease conditions that are aftermath of flood disasters. In-depth interviews were conducted among 30 respondents who were affected by Ibadan flood disasters. This study found that the community lived on deplorable environmental structures with unapproved building plans that obstruct waterways. The victims confirmed government efforts in provision of relief services but expressed dissatisfaction in the mode of its implementation. Despite unpleasant experiences of the flood, victims still had to travel long distance to relief distribution points; be on a long queue for long hours; and struggle to establish status as victims in order to qualify for support from the government. There was inadequate provision of functional health facilities by the government to accommodate comprehensive, quality and long-term infrastructures for flood victims. Improvement in health security and infrastructure for vulnerable groups, and accessibility to emergency and post-emergency care and support is suggested.
Keywords: disaster, flooding, health care delivery, health security, Nigeria