Nigeria
Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna
Program focus: Peer-to-peer training, clinical consults
Nigeria, located on the western coast of Africa, is one of the most populous countries in the world, with approximately 200 million people. Despite such a population, Nigeria’s physician to population ratio is just 0.38 physicians for every 1,000 people—not nearly enough physicians to meet the country’s health needs (World Bank).
Africa suffers 24% of the global disease burden but only has access to 3% of the world’s health workers (World Health Organization). This creates major gaps in the already under-resourced Nigerian health system, leaving many mothers and newborns without access to essential care.
World Telehealth Initiative’s program addresses these issues by expanding healthcare access through our program at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, Nigeria. As a major tertiary care and teaching hospital, Barau Dikko Hospital is a vital referral center for the region, yet faces shortages of sub-specialists and resources to manage complex maternal and neonatal cases.
Our program provides peer-to-peer training and bedside consults with international specialists, building the capacity of pediatricians, obstetricians, nurses, and medical students to respond to high-risk cases. Sessions on neonatal resuscitation, preterm care, and maternal health are already transforming patient outcomes and equipping local teams with life-saving skills.