ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria's worst health challenges, says Expert

NISONM President said compared to interventions in other health sectors, there had been minimal progress in efforts to reduce mortality among newborns.

Infant Mortality

Prof. Chinyere Ezeaka, President of the society, spoke at a news conference in Ibadan as parts of the activities marking its Annual General and Scientific Conference.

Ezeaka said that compared to interventions in other health sectors, there had been minimal progress in efforts to reduce mortality among newborns in the country.

The expert said that of the seven million births recorded yearly in Nigeria, no fewer than 254,000 of those babies died annually.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We are worried with the dismal figure of newborn morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has the highest number of newborn deaths in the whole of Africa and second highest in the world after India. The statistics is quite grim.

“Where we lose about 254,000 newborns every year, which comes to about 700 newborn deaths everyday and when we break this down to hours you will see that we have lost about 30 newborns per hour.

“Fifty per cent of these deaths also occur within the first 24 hours of the baby’s life. This is totally unacceptable,” she said.

The society president said that progress in addressing the high death rate had been slow due to inadequate training of front-line health workers and ignorance among mothers.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to her, while the death rate is dismal, 90 per cent of the deaths in newborns are preventable.

She identified prematurity, asphyxia, infections and neonatal jaundice as the major causes of neonatal deaths in the country.

“Majority of these deaths are preventable by improving existing care and eliminating underlying causes of neonatal mortality.

“A major underlying problem is lack of respiratory support in our health centres, because when the babies are delivered, especially the premature babies, you must make them to breath.

“Respiratory support is very critical and an ambu bag, which costs less than N5, 000 is not available in majority of our birthing and maternity centres,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ezeaka called on the three tiers of government to undertake a welfare support system for mother and child health to reduce neonatal mortality rate and make progress in newborn health.

“To ensure that newborns in Nigeria survive, thrive and live to attain their life potential, attention needs to be focused in the area of newborn health.

“Poverty, illiteracy and ignorance are underlying causes of infant mortality.

“No matter how poor or ignorant they are, they don’t want their babies to die.

“We need the government to come to their aid and give some insurance cover and ensure more women register for antenatal care where they can get adequate information,” she said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

FG shuts KFC outlet that 'humiliated' Gbenga Daniel's wheelchair-bound son

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT