WPD: Nigeria Launches Strategic Initiatives to Combat Neonatal Mortality

In a significant move to address the pressing issue of neonatal mortality, the Nigerian government has unveiled a series of initiatives during a commemorative event on World Prematurity Day (WPD).

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The 2023 World Prematurity Day with the theme: Small actions, BIG IMPACT: skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere presents the opportunity to critically appraise the health status of premature babies and revisit the implementation strategies as it concerns the health of the newborn in general, and that of the small newborn in particular.

Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Permanent Secretary, FMoH, Kachollom Daju  highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that preterm births remain a leading cause of death among children under five.

Acknowledging the progress made, the minister outlined a four-point agenda aligned with the nation’s health goals. This includes improving governance, enhancing population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and ensuring health security for all Nigerians.

“Key interventions such as counseling on healthy diets, optimal nutrition, and early ultrasounds to determine gestational age are crucial in preventing preterm births”.

Addressing neonatal infections as a significant concern, the minister announced the launch of documents aimed at reducing newborn deaths. These include the Nigeria Every Newborn Action Plan second edition, the National Strategy for Cleanliness Against Tetanus second edition, and the Facilitators Guide for Comprehensive Newborn Care Training 2023.

The launch event concluded with a clarion call to disseminate information on skin-to-skin care for every baby, particularly in rural communities.

“The Federal Ministry of Health aims to save lives, alleviate financial and physical pain, and promote health for all Nigerians through these groundbreaking initiatives”. She added.

In his presentation, Head, Newborn Branch, Child Health Division, FMoH,  Dr. Abdulahi Jatau said the alarming statistics on neonatal mortality in Nigeria were highlighted, prompting a call for urgent and strategic interventions.

Dr. Jatau revealed that approximately 5 million babies in Nigeria are at risk, with the first month of life being particularly crucial. “The data showed that neonatal mortality accounts for about 1/3 of all under-five deaths, emphasized a critical concern for child health”.

“He noted a concerning trend of preterm births, correlating with a lack of proper maternal care. The under-five mortality rate, despite witnessing a significant decline between 2003 and 2013, has plateaued since 2018, indicating a need for renewed efforts”. He said.

While acknowledging ongoing government interventions, including the launch of the Child Health Policy and validation of Neonatal Resuscitation Training (NRT), Dr. Jatau stressed the importance of proactive measures. He urged increased government funding and robust partnerships with organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs.

“The initiative to promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) was highlighted as a significant step forward, I appreciate the collaboration with WHO on the KMC initiative, because of its positive impact on the survival of small and sick newborns”. He added.

Despite challenges such as inadequate instrumentation and intervention, Dr. Jatau expressed optimism, citing recent mentions of child health in President’s budget agenda. He called for the mobilization of resources, investment in research, and the institutionalization of best practices nationwide.

The presentation emphasized the need for a concerted effort to meet Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2030, reducing neonatal mortality to approximately 12 per 1000 live births.

“The call to action is clear: Nigeria must double its efforts to safeguard the future of its newborns”. Dr. Jatau said.