Is Poverty Worse Than Sickness? A Discussion

Introduction

To be poor is different from poverty. Poverty according to Oxford Dictionary is the state of being extremely poor. Many people don’t know that poverty is a weapon of warfare against the masses. For example Bola Tinubu’s removal of subsidies were to further impoverish the population. His refusal to reduce the cost of governance is a clear example of double standard; a systematic attempt at making the masses to suffer while the political elite gravitate towards further power and influence. People in poverty are easily manipulated and influenced by the political class.

On that note, I agree with Bishop David Abioye that ‘poverty is worse than sickness’. To be extremely poor is dangerous. Rochas Okorocha said that poverty is worse than HIV.

Anyone who agrees with this assertion may not agree with all the views of David Abioye on prosperity and kingdom wealth system. Remember, that. 

For example Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, once said, "The biggest enemy of health in the developing world is poverty." This suggests that poverty can be even more harmful than illness because it prevents access to healthcare, proper nutrition, and basic living conditions. He may have disagreed with David Abioye’s other commentaries on prosperity.

Additionally, Mother Teresa emphasized the suffering caused by poverty, stating, "The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for." Her words imply that poverty and social neglect can be more devastating than physical illness. Poverty is pain and suffering interwoven.

We have to learn to manage our subjective needs in the face of objective realities as regards poverty and sickness, because both are two deeply interconnected struggles that affect millions worldwide. While both can significantly impact human well-being, the argument that poverty is worse than sickness raises important ethical, social, and economic considerations.

Poverty is often considered more severe than sickness because it encompasses multiple hardships beyond physical health. People living in extreme poverty in Nigeria for example face:

• Limited access to healthcare, making them vulnerable to diseases.
• Malnutrition, which weakens the body and increases susceptibility to illness.
• Lack of education, which perpetuates cycles of disadvantage.
• Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, affecting overall well-being.
• Social exclusion, leading to reduced opportunities for growth and stability. They face constant attacks by bandits due to no adequate policing.  

In areas such as Benue, Zamfara and Plateau, we have extreme poverty where  people can’t defend themselves, can’t buy weapons, can’t build a security system to protect themselves: There lives are worst than those who are sick in rich places and nations such Abuja and the UK. And in some cases many sick people are also sick because they are poor. Rich people manage sickness better than poor people. Poverty is itself a sign of deep failure; political instability, poor distribution of resources, greed of leadership. Poverty will eventually lead to sickness. Unless you don’t know what poverty means. It is the inability to feed yourself, the inability to afford shelter, good health and care. Don’t you understand that?

Unlike sickness, which can sometimes be treated or managed with medical interventions, poverty can persist for generations without systemic solutions.

The Burden of Illness

To be honest, sickness, especially chronic or terminal diseases, can be devastating regardless of one's economic status. Serious illnesses such as cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases can:

• Reduce quality of life, leading to pain and suffering.
• Create financial strain, even for the wealthy, due to medical expenses.
• Limit opportunities, including employment and social mobility.
• Cause emotional distress, affecting family and caregivers.

While sickness can lead to poverty due to financial burdens, some argue that having resources—even in illness—provides more hope than complete destitution.

The Intersection of Poverty and Sickness

Rather than viewing poverty and sickness as separate issues, it is important to acknowledge their interconnected nature. Poverty often increases the risk of sickness due to lack of access to proper nutrition, sanitation, and healthcare. Similarly, prolonged illness can push individuals and families into poverty due to medical costs and loss of income.

Conclusion

While both poverty and sickness have severe consequences, poverty is arguably worse because it limits access to healthcare, education, and basic needs, making recovery from illness difficult. To be extremely poor is evidence of evil in government. God didn’t make it that way. However, severe sickness can also destroy lives regardless of economic status. Addressing poverty as a root cause can help reduce the burden of disease and improve overall societal well-being.