Digital Health in Nigeria: A Path to SDG 3 for Maternal and Child Health

Nigeria's persistent maternal, newborn, adolescent, and child health (MNACH) crisis impedes Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). This paper examines digital health interventions to address systemic healthcare delivery failures and improve MNACH outcomes. Addressing the research gap concerning strategic implementation of digital health for MNACH in Nigeria, it critically assesses the current state, explores opportunities, identifies barriers, and proposes evidence-based policy and strategic recommendations for effective, equitable implementation. This study employs a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and grey literature from international organizations (WHO, UNICEF, ITU). Data sources were systematically searched using keywords related to digital health, MNACH, and healthcare in Nigeria. Synthesized and analyzed information identified key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Successful digital health initiatives in Nigeria and LMICs informed policy recommendations through case studies. Findings reveal digital health innovations (telemedicine, mHealth, EHRs) hold transformative potential to improve access, enhance health education, and facilitate timely interventions. Initiatives like MyPaddi app and drone delivery systems demonstrate feasibility and impact. However, significant barriers impede adoption: inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital literacy, socioeconomic disparities, and public skepticism regarding data privacy and remote care quality. Policy and strategic recommendations focus on addressing these barriers through targeted interventions: investing in infrastructure, building capacity, fostering trust, co-developing culturally tailored mHealth solutions, and reforming policies for data governance, cross-sector partnerships, and sustainable financing. A digital health transformation roadmap for Nigeria (2025–2030) outlines a phased approach to foundational preparation, strategic scaling, and national integration. This roadmap emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration, equity-centered systems, and robust accountability mechanisms for sustainable, inclusive implementation. In conclusion, this review underscores the urgent need for a holistic, strategic approach to integrate digital health innovations into Nigeria’s healthcare framework. By addressing barriers and implementing recommendations, Nigeria can leverage digital health to enhance access, improve MNACH outcomes, and progress toward universal health coverage and SDG 3 by 2030, positioning Nigeria as a global leader in inclusive, sustainable healthcare innovation.