THE ALMA-ATA DECLARATION AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN ZARIA. NIGERIA
THE ALMA-ATA DECLARATION AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN ZARIA. NIGERIA
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Date
1997-07
Authors
ALIYU, Zakari Yusufu
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Abstract
Abstract
The Alma-Ata convention of 1978 on primary health marks a water shed in the development
of health care system world-wide. It established international standards meant to be
observed and enforced by all member countries that were a party to its ratification. The
Federal Repubbc of Nigeria was a member state in the draft of the convention.
By adopting the primary health care approach, the government of Nigeria agreed by
implication that it has a responsibility for the health of all the its people which shall be
fulfilled by the provision of adequately available, accessible and acceptable health and social
services. The citizens shall also have the right and duty to participate individually .and
collectively in the planning and implementation of these services.
Ten years after the establishment of the National health policy in 1987, a sequel of the Alma-
Ata convention, this study reviewed the various decision making process involved in policy
formulation and implementation of the National health policy. The study also reviewed the
success and impact of the health policy on the health care delivery system in Nigeria. The
elite theory was employed as the conceptual framework
The effect of economic changes of the period between 1987 and 1997 notably the Structural
Adjustment Program on health care delivery system in the country was also examined. Merc
the SAP was noted to have significantly retarded and diversified the development of health
sector. Its effect was wide spread involving both human capital and material resources.
In a case study, this project utilised a quasi experimental research design (questionnaire
method, and sample size of two hundred and fifty) to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and
practice of women between the ages of fifteen and forty five on reproductive health issues
like early marriage, use of contraception, abortion and some negative cultural practices
notably post partum hot bath and consumption of potash. The findings were rather
disappointing- with over 75% of the respondents still having a lot of misconceptions and
actually employ negative health practices in their daily lives. The success of the national
policy in educating these women was thus established to be far from expected.
The study ended by making broad policy recommendations, which could lead to better
educate the policy makers, health professionals and the intended target group. It would also
bring about greater equity in resource allocation and indeed extend social services including
health, a fundamental human requirement to all Nigerians irrespective of their social class!
Description
A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE POST GRADUATE SCHOOL, AHMADU BELLO
UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Keywords
ALMA-ATA DECLARATION,, NATIONAL HEALTH,, NATIONAL HEALTH