Strengthening Nigerian Public Administration for Microbial Infection Control: Implications for Sustainable Development Goal Achievement

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a comprehensive global framework for addressing interconnected development challenges, with microbial infections occupying a central position across multiple goals. This review examines the relationship between microbial infection control and SDG achievement within Nigerian public administration, analyzing how infectious disease burdens constrain progress toward health and non-health targets. It explores the epidemiology of major infections—including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and antimicrobial-resistant infections—and their implications for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and interconnected goals addressing poverty (SDG 1), hunger (SDG 2), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and partnerships (SDG 17). The review evaluates public administration responses across policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, institutional coordination, and service delivery structures. It analyzes key initiatives including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative, the second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP 2.0), the National Child Survival Action Plan, and the National Task Force on Clinical Governance and Patient Safety. Drawing on recent evidence of financing gaps, AMR mortality burdens, and successful interventions in NTD control and HPV vaccination, the analysis identifies persistent challenges including inadequate domestic financing, weak surveillance systems, regulatory enforcement deficits, and fragmented governance. The review concludes with evidence-based recommendations for strengthening public administration to accelerate progress toward SDG targets through integrated, multi-sectoral approaches that address microbial infections as both health and development priorities.