The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing under-five mortality rates as Nigeria joins the global commemoration of World Pneumonia and Prematurity Day.
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Speaking at the event to commemorate the day in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, highlighted the urgent need to address pneumonia and prematurity, which significantly contribute to child mortality in the country.
Dr. Salako noted that while efforts have reduced under-five mortality from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 per 1,000 in 2023, Nigeria remains far from the global 2030 target of 25 per 1,000 live births.
“More than one in eight Nigerian children still dies before their fifth birthday,” he lamented, adding that pneumonia alone accounts for a substantial portion of these preventable deaths.
The Minister praised the collaboration with the Every Breath Counts Coalition and other stakeholders for initiatives like the In-Patient Pneumonia Treatment Algorithm, which has enhanced clinical management and contributed to the modest gains in reducing child mortality.
He also announced the distribution of 400 CPAP machines to 139 health facilities, courtesy of donations from HATCH Technologies and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), to improve neonatal care.
“Offering quality care for newborns and under-fives is a fundamental aspect of our healthcare delivery system,” Dr. Salako stated, emphasizing that addressing risk factors such as undernutrition, air pollution, and inadequate healthcare facilities is essential for progress.
He pointed out that air pollution, a leading risk factor for pneumonia-related deaths, has placed Nigeria among the highest globally in child pneumonia fatalities.
The event’s themes, “Access to Quality Care Everywhere” and “Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia,” underline the need for multisectoral collaboration to address these challenges.
Dr. Salako called for increased advocacy and partnerships to ensure Nigeria meets its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The Minister expressed gratitude to organizations like WHO, UNICEF, USAID, and the Clinton Foundation for their technical support and dedication to improving child health in Nigeria.
“Together, we can shape a healthier future for every child across Nigeria”.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom emphasized the urgent need to address these preventable tragedies that claim millions of young lives annually.
She revealed that pneumonia, which kills a child every 20 seconds globally, accounts for a significant portion of the country’s under-five mortality rate of 110 per 1,000 live births.
“Alarmingly, neonatal deaths due to prematurity have risen to 41 per 1,000 live births, as reported in the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey”. She added.
Daju pointed out the ministry’s comprehensive strategies to combat neonatal mortality, including the 2021 National Guidelines for Newborn Care and the revised 2023 Nigeria Every Newborn Action Plan.
“These frameworks are aimed at improving healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas”. Underscoring the importance of vaccines, better sanitation, and nutrition in preventing pneumonia-related deaths.
The Permanent Secretary called for strengthened partnerships among governments, healthcare providers, NGOs, and advocates to ensure equitable access to essential resources.
She urged all stakeholders to go beyond statistics and focus on the lives at stake, stressing that every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive.
“Together, we can turn the tide against these preventable tragedies and create a future where our children can breathe freely and realize their full potential!”. She added.
Representing HATCH Technologies and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN ) Sema Sokpo said the initiative was driven by a critical examination of the challenges newborns face, particularly in terms of accessibility and affordability, alongside the need for health worker training and the sustainability of lifesaving devices.
Highlighting the country’s unreliable electricity supply, Sokpo revealed that the neonatal device blends air and oxygen without requiring electricity, enabling its use in underserved and remote areas.
He also noted plans for further donations to expand the intervention’s reach.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Molumbo, who was represented by Mary Brantuo, Team Lead of Coverage/Life Course Cluster, said WHO recent data on under-five mortality rates means “Nigeria is not on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 3.2, the related targets to reduce by 2030 preventable deaths of newborns and children under five”.
Dr. Molumbo urged the scaling of lifesaving interventions such as kangaroo mother care, early breastfeeding, and family involvement in care, else the country runs the risk of missing the 2030 target of the Sustainable Development Goals and UHC.
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