Nigeria Faces Child Health Crisis as 800 Newborns Die Daily

The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has declared a child health emergency, revealing that over 800 newborns die daily in the country due to preventable diseases, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare services. At a press conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on the eve of the association’s 57th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, PAN President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, highlighted the urgent need for action as these tragic losses continue to afflict families across Nigeria.

Dr. Ekure expressed deep concern about the alarming statistics, noting that the majority of these deaths are preventable with basic healthcare interventions. She stated that Nigeria is significantly off track in meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The current situation, according to Dr. Ekure, constitutes a national emergency that requires immediate political commitment, increased financial investment in healthcare, and the implementation of effective technologies to enhance maternal and child health services.

Malnutrition is a critical factor contributing to nearly 50 percent of child mortality cases in Nigeria. Dr. Ekure explained that children who are poorly nourished are at a much higher risk of infections and complications that might otherwise be easily treatable. She also identified several factors exacerbating the high rate of preventable child deaths, including vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, poverty, insecurity, and insufficient health financing.

The resurgence of diseases like measles in certain regions of Nigeria reflects a concerning global trend of declining immunization coverage. Dr. Ekure emphasized the importance of vaccines as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available. She urged government officials at all levels to prioritize routine immunization and child nutrition programs to combat this crisis.

In a call to action, Dr. Ekure appealed to the media to increase their efforts in dispelling false narratives surrounding immunization. She described journalists as vital partners in safeguarding children’s lives and shaping public perception through accurate health reporting.

As part of their advocacy efforts, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. During this visit, they asked him to become a national advocate for child nutrition and healthcare. Obasanjo accepted the call, pledging to use his influence and experience to promote improved child health and nutrition across Nigeria. He acknowledged that while he no longer has young children under his direct care, the well-being of Nigerian children is a collective national responsibility.

The situation in Nigeria underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to improve child health indicators. With more than 800 families losing a newborn each day, the time for action is now. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration among government, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure that every child has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.