Search

BackgroundNigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is faced with several health challenges including neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases and emerging infectious diseases. Unfortunately, the country has a weak health system to tackle these health challenges. Creative solutions for solving these systemic health challenges through social innovations are therefore needed in Nigeria. Hence, Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Nigeria conducted a pilot crowdsourcing challenge to identify social innovation solutions in Anambra State, Nigeria.MethodA crowdsourcing approach was used to identify social innovations in healthcare delivery that has been applied in Nigeria for a minimum of 1 year. The six-stage process of the crowdsourcing challenge contest included: (1) selection of challenge focus, (2) organising community steering group, (3) engaging the community to contribute, (4) receiving and evaluating contributions, (5) recognising finalists and (6) sharing solutions. The crowdsourcing challenge was hosted by SIHI Nigeria, based at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.ResultSeventeen innovations were received in the crowdsourcing challenge. Five of the innovations were eligible based on criteria developed and were sent to the panel of experts for review. Following the review of the average score and case study research, the panel of experts selected top three innovations, which included a digital health solution, a mobile clinic and a community-based health insurance programme.ConclusionTop three social innovations were identified in the crowdsourcing challenge. These innovations could be refined and scaled up to increase universal health coverage in Nigeria by subjecting them to further research.

We carried out an epidemiological study of malaria in Gboko metropolis in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, North - Central Nigeria to determine the malaria prevalence, risk factors and perception to malaria control among patients attending the hospital clinics between April and June, 2021. We used Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), thin blood and thick blood film microscopy to sample the blood of 415 patients to determine specie, prevalence and intensity of malaria parasites. Also, structured questionnaire was administered to 400 individuals to obtain information on malaria management practices of the people. Chi-square test P Plasmodium falciparum. There was significant difference (p