Health is not just a blessing one wishes for, but a fundamental human right recognized Constitutionally and in regional and international covenants, some of which Nigeria has ratified. Accordingly, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is required not only to implement schemes that will improve the health status of the citizens but also to institutionalize systems that will ensure, promote and protect their right to good health.

Sadly, the country has not made any appreciable progress in the realization of her citizens right to good and affordable health care. The healthcare system is grossly under-funded and poorly managed. Access to safe essential drugs and facilities is severely limited Staff morale is low while ethics and professionalism hardly drive the provision of healthcare services. The human rights of patients are violated with impunity. Respect for privacy, confidentiality and patients right to participate in decisions concerning their care is almost non-existent.

At times patients are given drugs with the label peeled off, necessary education about the drugs denied them, leading sometimes to adverse drug reactions and death. Youths and women seeking reproductive health care are treated with scorn and disdain depending on the disposition of the health care provider. They are rarely consulted about their diagnosis or in making decisions about their treatment. This is more so for vulnerable groups such as the uneducated, the poor, women, children and patients with stigmatizing diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Most often, violation of rights in healthcare institutions, leads to violation of other rights such as the right to life, work, housing and education among others. Opportunities for redress of these violations are mostly lacking. Patients are reluctant to seek redress for fear of negative reprisals.

The need to properly address the diverse and complex problems associated with healthcare delivery in Nigeria provided the impetus to the founding in 1999, of the ‘Center for the Right to Health’- a non-profit, non-governmental organization.

A Nigeria in which quality healthcare is affordable and accessible; where patients are treated with dignity and their human rights respected irrespective of gender, age, social status or disease condition.

To advocate for the full realization of the right to health in Nigeria and to promote respect for ethics and human rights in healthcare policies and practices, especially for vulnerable groups such as People Living With HIV/AIDS, women, youths and children.

To research, monitor and document policies and practices that influence the right to health in Nigeria.
To inform the public of their right’s to health, and to secure the enforcement of such rights through change in policies, institutions and legal remedies in Nigeria.
To promote professional ethics in healthcare delivery and to secure patients rights.
To promote and protect the human rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in health care institutions, work places, and within the community.
To empower and mobilize defenseless groups, such as PLWHA to assert their rights.
To provide counseling, care and support to PLWHA and their families.
To provide legal counseling and litigation for PLWHA and other defenceless groups.
To advocate good health and emphasize preventive measures through health education.
To network with professionals, advocacy groups and activist groups who are established in the global movement for health as a fundamental human right.

Research and Documentation
Mobilization and Education
Advocacy
Legal Support Services
Care and Support
Economic Empowerment