The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has raised renewed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating child health indicators, warning that preventable diseases, malnutrition and rising neonatal deaths continue to claim thousands of young lives across the country every day.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, ahead of the association’s 57th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, PAN President, Dr Ekanem Ekure, disclosed that more than 800 Nigerian families lose a newborn daily, despite the fact that the majority of these deaths are preventable with basic healthcare interventions.
Dr Ekure described the development as deeply troubling, stressing that Nigeria remains significantly off track in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), particularly in the areas of neonatal survival and under-five mortality reduction.
According to her, the current situation constitutes a national emergency that demands urgent political will, increased financial commitment to healthcare, and the deployment of appropriate technology to strengthen maternal and child health services.
She revealed that malnutrition plays a major role in nearly 50 per cent of child deaths in Nigeria, explaining that poorly nourished children are far more susceptible to infections and complications that could otherwise be easily treated.
The PAN president identified vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, poverty, insecurity and weak health financing as key drivers of Nigeria’s high burden of preventable child deaths. She warned that the resurgence of diseases such as measles in some parts of the country mirrors global trends where immunisation coverage has declined.
Dr Ekure emphasised that vaccines remain one of the most cost-effective public health interventions and urged governments at all levels to prioritise routine immunisation and child nutrition programmes.
She also called on the media to intensify efforts in combating false narratives surrounding immunisation, describing journalists as critical partners in protecting children’s lives and shaping public perception through accurate health reporting.
As part of its advocacy activities, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, where the association appealed to him to become a national advocate for child nutrition and healthcare.
Responding, Obasanjo accepted the responsibility and pledged to use his influence and experience to advocate for improved child health and nutrition across Nigeria. He noted that although he no longer has young children under his direct care, the wellbeing of Nigerian children remains a national responsibility.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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