Celebrating Numbers and Saving Lives: Dr John Snow’s Lessons for Nigeria on World Numeracy Day
Dr Enoch Adewunmi Oyeduntan
Happy World Numeracy Day! Today, we celebrate the power of numbers and the value of numeracy in our lives on May 22. As we commemorate this day, let’s concentrate on a captivating story from 1854, which highlights the significance of data and has a profound connection to our current reality in Nigeria.
London, 1854. The city was in disarray, ravaged by a catastrophic cholera outbreak. Hundreds perished within days, and the cause remained unknown to many. Then, like a hero in the midst of chaos, Dr. John Snow arrived. He refused to accept the widespread ignorance and meticulously documented every cholera case, plotting each death on a map. His extraordinary investigation revealed an astonishing truth: all of the victims lived near the same water pump. By turning off this pump, he effectively stopped the cholera outbreak in the area. He accomplished this astounding feat entirely through the power of numbers.
Today, cholera is uncommon in the United Kingdom. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has statistics dating back to 2013 showing no deaths from the illness. This transformation did not happen by chance; it was the result of rigorous data collection and analysis.
Now let’s take this home. How may Nigeria benefit from Dr. Snow’s legacy? We cannot overstate the importance of collecting accurate, objective, and authentic data. However, the reality in Nigeria is very different. We are struggling with weak data systems, which impede our growth in several critical areas:
Healthcare: Accurate data can help spot illness outbreaks early on, allowing for timely action and prevention. Imagine if we could treat diseases like malaria and cholera with the precision that Dr. Snow demonstrated in 1854! Unfortunately, our healthcare system usually lacks sufficient data, limiting our ability to respond effectively.
Education: Accurate statistics allow us to better manage resources, raise literacy rates, and tailor educational programs to the needs of our diverse population. Numeracy skills are essential, and improving them can have a big impact on overall academic achievement.
Economy: Having accurate data is essential for economic planning and development. It helps us understand market trends, consumer behaviour, and legislation’s impact, allowing us to make educated decisions that encourage growth and reduce poverty.
Infrastructure: Data can help us build better cities by assisting with traffic management and urban planning. By evaluating patterns and trends, we can design infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population while increasing the quality of life.
Transparent and reliable data are the cornerstones of effective governance. It encourages accountability, combats corruption, and builds confidence between the government and the people.
The lack of reliable data in Nigeria is a significant impediment. Our systems have insufficient data collection and processing capabilities, resulting in suboptimal decisions across all industries. It is past time for our respective authorities to invest in robust data procedures. Data alone is insufficient; it must also be factual, impartial, and authentic.
As Nigerians, we must advocate for more effective data procedures. Remember, if Dr. John Snow could save lives with a map and some common sense, imagine what we can do with modern technology and resources! Let us commemorate World Numeracy Day by committing to a future in which data informs our decisions and helps every part of our society.
