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it (2012). The government is currently trying to broaden the scheme to ensure a far greater proportion of the population is covered. It is a stated aim of the Nigerian government to achieve universal health coverage. The Who Country Co-operation Strategic Agenda (2014–19) identified strengthening health systems based on a primary health care approach as one of its main priorities. Nigeria was not an original signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but acceded to it in 1993 and has written the covenant into law. It includes ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. The covenant commits signees to providing healthy and hygienic environmental conditions, controlling epidemic diseases, improving child health and facilitating access to health services without discrimination. Care of the elderly: Around 4.7 million people in Nigeria are over the age of 65 – three per cent of the total population (2013). At the age of 60 a person living in Nigeria can be expected to live for an additional 14 years, on average (2013). Nigeria’s Ekiti State Social Security Scheme dates back to 2011. Today, monthly pension credits are paid in Ekiti State by the state at a rate of US$32 per Ni g e r i a Population over 65 3% person (2007–12) on means-tested basis. Overall, public pension spending is equivalent to 0.9 per cent of the country’s total economic output (2004). The elderly are generally cared for by members of their extended family, but there are some old people’s homes – both private and charitably run – in urban areas. Further information Federal Ministry of Health: www.fmh.gov.ng Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealthhealth.org/health/africa/nigeria Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 233


Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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