Primary Health Care in Nigeria: Building Health from the Ground Up What is Primary Health Care (PHC)? Primary Health Care (PHC) is the foundation of Nigeria’s health system. It refers to the first level of care that people receive when they are sick, need a check-up, or want to prevent illness. PHC centers are usually located close to communities in villages, towns, and city neighborhoods so that families can access care without traveling far or spending too much money. PHC focuses on essential and everyday services, such as: Vaccinations for children and adults. Treatment of common illnesses like malaria, cough, and diarrhea.

Smallpox Eradication in Nigeria: Lessons for Immunisation Smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases known to humankind. Caused by the variola virus, it was highly contagious, spreading primarily through close human contact. Its symptoms began with fever, body aches, and mouth ulcers, followed by the appearance of a distinctive rash that developed into fluid-filled pustules. Survivors often bore permanent scars, while many suffered blindness as a complication. The disease was also infamous for its mortality: the more virulent strain, variola major, had a fatality rate of about 30%, while the less severe variola minor was associated with a lower, though still