Editor
…Launches 400 CPAP Machines for 139 Health Facilities
By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed that globally, childhood pneumonia causes over 100 million episodes and 808,920 related deaths annually, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Nigeria, which accounts for approximately three-quarters of global childhood mortality, faces a critical challenge. At the current annual reduction rate in child mortality, the country may not achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for child mortality reduction by 2030 unless all proven interventions are fully implemented, the Federal Government warned.
This was revealed by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a press briefing marking the World Pneumonia and Prematurity Day at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Strengthening Collaboration to Reduce Under-Five Mortality
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with partners and stakeholders to reduce Nigeria’s under-five mortality rate.
The themes for the 2024 commemoration are:“Access to Quality Care Everywhere” for World Prematurity Day, and “Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia” for Pneumonia Day.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the event highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and other organizations to combat preventable child deaths.
He described childhood pneumonia as the “forgotten killer of under-fives,” lamenting that it has not received adequate priority despite being a significant contributor to global childhood morbidity and mortality.
Grim Statistics and Renewed Commitment
Dr. Salako shared alarming statistics on child mortality, noting that the country’s under-five mortality rate has decreased from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, as reported by the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). However, he stressed that these figures remain unacceptable.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen collaborations with stakeholders, including the Every Breast Counts Coalition (a global alliance of over 100 organizations), the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, and other partners.
As part of its efforts, the Federal Government, in collaboration with HATCH Technologies and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), launched the distribution of 400 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to 139 health facilities nationwide.
“These machines, essential for managing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, underscore our commitment under the Nigeria Every Newborn Action Plan (NiENAP) 2023, which aims to reduce neonatal deaths to 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030,” Dr. Salako stated.
He commended HATCH Technologies and CHAN for their contributions, calling their support invaluable in the fight against neonatal and under-five mortality.
Call To Action
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, mni, emphasized the significance of the 2024 themes, describing them as a clarion call to action.
“The themes call for a stronger healthcare system, universal health coverage, and collective efforts to close the inequality gap. This is essential to reaching the most vulnerable groups who bear the brunt of childhood pneumonia and challenges associated with prematurity,” she said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key partners, including UNICEF, the Nigeria Society of Neonatal Medicine (NISONM), WHO, USAID, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), NEST 360, and the Clinton Foundation, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to reduce child mortality.
