As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Pneumonia and Prematurity Day, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to reducing under-five mortality through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the government’s determination to address preventable child deaths, which account for over 700,000 fatalities annually in Nigeria. These deaths represent 16% of the global under-five mortality rate.
Dr. Salako highlighted the year’s themes—“Access to Quality Care Everywhere” for World Prematurity Day and “Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia” for World Pneumonia Day—underscoring the urgent need for quality healthcare and sustained collaboration to combat childhood pneumonia, described as a “forgotten killer.”
“Globally, childhood pneumonia results in over 100 million episodes and 808,920 deaths annually, with low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, accounting for the majority of these fatalities,” he said. Dr. Salako warned that without swift action, Nigeria risks failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals target for child mortality reduction by 2030.
The Minister cited the government’s plan to lower under-five mortality from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 per 1,000 by 2023, as reported in the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). He announced key initiatives, including the donation of 400 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines by HATCH Technologies and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN). These devices will support neonatal respiratory care in 139 health facilities nationwide.
This initiative is part of the Nigeria Every Newborn Action Plan (NiENP), aimed at reducing neonatal deaths to 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030. Dr. Salako assured stakeholders of the government’s resolve to address neonatal challenges through collaborative efforts with organizations like the Paediatric Association of Nigeria and the global Every Breast Counts Coalition.
Dr. Benjamin Ukaire, Director of Family Health at the Ministry, raised concerns over increasing neonatal mortality rates, which have risen from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to over 40 per 1,000, according to preliminary 2023-2024 NDHS data. He attributed this trend to complications from pneumonia and prematurity, calling it unacceptable.
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Mary Brantuo reaffirmed the agency’s support for Nigeria’s efforts. She urged stakeholders to align with this year’s themes and strengthen initiatives to improve child health outcomes across the nation.
The government’s ongoing partnerships and actions underscore a renewed focus on combating pneumonia and prematurity, ensuring better survival rates for Nigeria’s youngest citizens.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
