Defusing Nigeria's Double Burden of Disease is a Development Imperative

In 2020, the Covid-19 emergency briefly catapulted public health to the top of government agenda in Nigeria. As the health crisis unfolded globally, it became clear that most people in the country were spared from severe sickness or death due to the pandemic in contrast to many other countries especially in the developed world. Albeit encouraging this should not detract attention from Nigeria’s multiple public health challenges that require priority attention. If anything, the pandemic-induced urgency must be sustained to prepare for the likely more complex health challenges in the future. Evidence-based planning, resource mobilisation and intelligent allocation is essential as health holds the key to both human development and a productive economy.