Jimoh Femi Olatunji* and Adenuga Emmanuel A.^**

^*Dept. of Physical and Health Education, Federal College of Education Kontagora,

Niger State

^**Dept. of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University,

Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State

Abstract

Access to health care services is critical to good health, yet residents in rural and underserved communities in Nigeria face a lot of access barriers. Rural residents often faced barriers to health care that denied them the care they deserved. Improving delivery and access to health care in such areas is an essential issue in healthcare. This paper therefore examined the innovative strategies for delivering healthcare in rural and underserved communities in Nigeria.  Innovative strategies such as telemedicine and mobile health clinics, partnerships with non-governmental organization and the private sector as well as targeted public health campaigns and outreach programme to provide remote consultations, diagnosis, monitoring patients, distant locations and treatment,  were discussed to offer basic health services, education and awareness about preventive healthcare measures and encourage early intervention for common health issues prevalent in rural setting. The nature of healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities and their challenges were also discussed. In conclusion, there is the need to embrace a multi-faceted approach that combines technology, community involvement, partnerships, and education, innovative strategies can be developed to deliver effective health services in rural and underserved communities in Nigeria. Among others, it was recommended that there is need for technology integration, procurement of mobile health clinics and recruitment and training of Community Health Workers (CHEW) in the rural and underserved communities in the country.