Health outcomes and health service use during armed conflicts: a comparison of conflict and non-conflict areas in Northern Nigeria

In conflict-affected regions, persistent violence and instability severely hinder access to healthcare, deepen inequalities and introduce new barriers to service delivery. This dissertation investigates the impact of armed conflict on health systems and outcomes in Northern Nigeria, with a specific focus on women and children, populations most vulnerable during crises.
Each chapter of the study builds a comprehensive understanding of healthcare dynamics in conflict-affected settings. It begins with a critical literature review, then empirically examines the effects of conflict on maternal health service utilization, child nutrition, and neonatal outcomes using geo-referenced national survey data. The findings reveal a high burden of unmet health needs in conflict-exposed communities and demonstrate how conflict weakens routine service access. The dissertation concludes by offering targeted, evidence-based policy recommendations and programming strategies aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in fragile settings, while also identifying pathways for future research to build more resilient and equitable health systems.