Nigeria: Health workers threaten to escalate strike

Event

Leaders of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) called for health workers to launch an indefinite strike across Nigeria on Wednesday, May 9. According to media reports on Friday, May 11, the strike has caused significant disruptions to services at federal government-owned hospitals and health centers. Also on May 11, JOHESU officials threatened to withhold assistance for emergency measures to curb the spread of Ebola if the government refused their demands. Union leaders said their workers would not help with screening travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where new cases of the disease have been reported in recent days. The Federal Government claimed that the strike will not affect screenings as the health workers at the ports will not be joining the strike. Longer-than-normal waiting times are possible at all medical facilities; non-emergency cases may be turned away and scheduled appointments may be canceled.

Context

JOHESU started a strike campaign on April 18 after talks with the government over pay and working conditions stalled. The union is demanding that other health workers receive pay parity with doctors. Members of the union include pharmacists, nurses, laboratory technicians, and paramedics.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to confirm doctor's appointments, anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities for the duration of the strike, and avoid any potential protests.