Community Nursing as a Strategic Accelerator of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Effioanwan I. D. Nkere & Idongesit I. Akpabio

Download article picture_as_pdf

Abstract

Community nursing has become a critical strategy for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where workforce shortages, preventable diseases, and health inequalities remain significant public health concerns. This article examined the strategic role of community health nurses (CHNs) in achieving SDG-related outcomes through the delivery of primary health care services, including health promotion, disease prevention, maternal and child health services, environmental sanitation, chronic disease management, and community empowerment. Drawing from current literature and global health frameworks, the paper highlights how community health nurses contribute not only to SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, but also to goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, quality education, and reduced inequalities. The article further explored Nigeria’s structural health system challenges, including weak health information systems, inadequate staffing, and poor infrastructure, which constrain optimal community health nursing practice. It concluded that strengthening community health nursing through workforce investment, leadership development, digital health integration, policy support, and improved primary health care systems is essential for sustainable health development and accelerated SDG attainment in Nigeria. Therefore, more qualified community health nurses should be recruited, properly distributed, and retained through better welfare and supportive working conditions.

Authors

Read more