Corruption and oil exploration: expert agreement about the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

The Niger Delta, according to the Nigerian Ministry of Health, has a disproportionately high HIV infection rate, which is double the national average. The United Nations Development Program attributes the spiraling HIV infection rate in the region to poverty, migration and gender inequality. This paper examines two complementary suppositions: Is the high prevalence of HIV in the Niger Delta related to incompetent leadership and corruption? Is it related to the negative effects of oil exploration in the region? Currently, there is a dearth of research on the effectiveness of government programs or the role of the oil industry on the impact of AIDS in Nigeria. To address this gap, we conducted a survey with 27 internationally renowned experts from diverse disciplines using a three-round modified Delphi to formulate consensus about the impact of weak governance and oil corruption on AIDS in the Niger Delta. Results from the Delphi suggest that these factors and others have exacerbated the transmission of HIV in the region. To mitigate the impact of AIDS in the region, efforts to engage oil companies in implementing HIV prevention programs as part of their corporate environmental responsibility to the community are urgently needed.

Impact of Reporting on Community Healthcare Programs on the Profitability Of oil Companies in South-South Nigeria

“…But for Africa and more especially Nigeria, it is necessary because it is a local content need. This is in line with the opinion by Sam [2], Udoh, Stama and Mantel [5] who said that the action of the oil companies are clear reasons for several health challenges in the communities and as such should be a basis for reporting. Good business ethics addresses the responsibilities that a business organization has including health care responsibilities.…”

“…The actions of oil companies are clear reasons for several health challenges in the communities and as such should be a basis for reporting by the oil giants. In a survey conducted with 27 internationally renowned expert in Niger Delta revealed that incompetent leadership and oil corruption in the region among other factors have exacerbated the transmission of HIV in the region, the study therefore solicited that oil companies in the region should start implementing HIV prevention programs as part of their corporate social responsibility to the communities [5]. The activities of oil exploration are one that attracts expertise and foreigners to communities.…”

The path to longer and healthier lives for all Africans by 2030: the Lancet Commission on the future of health in sub-Saharan Africa

“…The negative effects on processes and outputs affects outcomes. [115][116][117] For example, research in South Africa illustrates the siphoning off of scarce resources can gravely affect health, with sorely needed health equipment failing to reach remote areas, and thus increasing the chance of adverse events for which frontline health workers will be held responsible. 116 In Chad, a study shows less than 1% of the nonwage funds allocated by the Ministry of Health to the regions reached local health facilities due to high level of leakage at regional level.…”

Oil spills and community health: Implications for resource limited settings

“…The mangrove forests, intertidal shores and other natural habitats have been gravely affected by oil exploration and exploitation (Osuji et al, 2010;Omorodion, 2004;Amnesty International, 2009;Nwilo and Badejo, 2005). The people, who are mainly rural farmers, fishermen and traders, have lost their means of livelihood due to the menace, resulting in food shortages and unemployment, increasing their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS (Udonwa et al, 2004;Udoh et al, 2008).…”