This article reflects on the state of primary healthcare in Nigeria, emphasizing that the true measure of health reforms lies in the everyday experiences of patients at local health centres. It highlights the challenges faced by mothers who travel long distances for immunisations, only to be turned away due to lack of vaccines, absent health workers, or closed facilities. The piece notes that while policies and financing are important, the real test is whether essential services like malaria treatment, family planning, and immunisation are reliably delivered. There are encouraging signs that improvements are beginning to take effect, but the frontline remains the critical arena for reform.
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