By Kabugho Elias
Africa’s struggle to improve public health is often framed as a challenge of limited hospitals, inadequate funding and shortages of medical personnel. But according to Nigerian public health advocate Favour Clement Idara, another crisis receives far less attention despite its profound impact on health outcomes: the crisis of health literacy.
Idara argues that while governments and development partners continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, insufficient public understanding of diseases, medicines and preventive healthcare remains a significant obstacle to progress.
“Knowledge is one of the most powerful medicines available, yet it remains inaccessible to many communities,” she said.
Drawing on her academic background in Chemistry (Pure and Applied) and certifications in pharmaceutical awareness, community health awareness and public health-related disciplines, Idara believes that health education should be elevated to the same level of importance as healthcare delivery itself.
Across Africa, preventable illnesses continue to place enormous pressure on healthcare systems. Diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections and diarrheal illnesses remain widespread, while non-communicable conditions including hypertension and diabetes are increasing rapidly.
According to Idara, many of these health challenges are worsened by limited awareness of prevention, delayed health-seeking behaviour and widespread misconceptions about disease management.
“Too often, people only seek professional care when an illness has already advanced. Early intervention is lost because the information needed to recognize risks and symptoms is not reaching communities effectively,” she said.
Among the issues she considers most urgent is the growing problem of medication misuse.
In many parts of Africa, self-medication has become common practice, with antibiotics and other prescription drugs frequently obtained and used without medical supervision. Public health experts have warned that such practices contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a phenomenon that threatens to make common infections increasingly difficult to treat.
Idara said addressing the problem will require more than regulatory enforcement.
“We must educate people about why medicines should be used responsibly. Sustainable solutions come from awareness as much as regulation,” she said.
She believes pharmaceutical awareness should be integrated into community outreach programs, schools and public health campaigns to help citizens better understand how medicines work and the dangers associated with misuse.
The advocate also raised concerns about the state of mental health awareness across the continent.
Although conversations around mental wellbeing have become more visible in recent years, she said stigma and misinformation continue to prevent many individuals from accessing care.
“Mental health remains one of the least understood aspects of healthcare in many communities. Education is essential if we are to challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage people to seek support,” she said.
Idara further highlighted challenges facing women and girls, particularly in areas of reproductive health, maternal care and menstrual hygiene.
She said improving public health outcomes will require targeted efforts to address barriers that limit access to both healthcare services and health information.
Beyond traditional health challenges, Idara warned that the digital age has created a new threat: the rapid spread of medical misinformation.
From unverified treatment claims to misleading health advice shared on social media, false information is increasingly influencing public behaviour and undermining evidence-based healthcare practices.
“Information can save lives, but misinformation can cost lives. This is why credible health communication has become more important than ever before,” she said.
To address these challenges, Idara is advocating for stronger partnerships between governments, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, media organizations and civil society groups.
She believes public health campaigns must move beyond technical language and adopt approaches that are simple, practical and culturally relevant.
“People cannot make informed decisions using information they do not understand. Effective communication must meet people where they are,” she said.
Ultimately, Idara sees health literacy as a critical foundation for sustainable development.
She argues that healthier populations contribute to stronger economies, improved educational outcomes and greater social stability.
“The future of healthcare is not only about expanding access to treatment. It is about ensuring people have the knowledge and confidence to protect their health before illness occurs,” she said.
As African countries work to strengthen their healthcare systems, Idara believes one message should guide future policy: empowering people with health knowledge is not an optional investment—it is a public health necessity.
“Health education is empowerment. When people understand health, they gain the ability to make better choices, improve their wellbeing and strengthen their communities. That is how lasting change happens,” she said.
