Health information in the open access publishing terrain

Access to reliable and timely health information is fundamental to advancing global health, enhancing clinical practices, and informing evidence-based decision-making. Previously, access to scholarly health literature was largely restricted by paywalls, subscription fees, and institutional limitations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria. The emergence of open access (OA) publishing has significantly transformed this landscape by removing many of these barriers and allowing unrestricted access to peer-reviewed health research and data. This paper aims to review the origins, structure, and transformative processes of open-access publishing with emphasis on Nigeria. The information and data used were collected through an extensive review of the literature. Low e-health literacy, poor digital infrastructure, institutional policy barriers, and high article processing charges were among the limitations identified. It is recommended that librarians and other stakeholders step up efforts to remove all remaining barriers for sustainability.