Nigeria among 10 nations with 45% infant deaths — UNICEF

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February 13, 2018 12:09 PM

Nigeria is one of 10 countries around the world where infants 45% of infants will not make it into adulthood.

During a two-day workshop organized by the Bauchi State Television in collaboration with United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for journalists, it was stated that Nigeria is one of 10 countries in the world where 45% of all under-five deaths occur at infancy.

UNICEF’s Communication Specialist at the Bauchi Field Office, Samuel Kaalu, said to end the trend, Nigeria would be among 10 countries of focus for a campaign to help children stay alive.

The campaign, which has been slated to commence this month, would address the challenges confronting women and children, especially in the area of health. He urged journalists to endeavor to “mobilize government to improve child survival and health through increased investment, introduction, implementation and expansion of relevant policies to support the programme.”

He stressed the need to help children survive and reach their potential, UNICEF has been supporting governments to provide basic education, water, sanitation and hygiene services in rural communities, as well as support government to protect the rights of children.

The Officer-in-charge of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Drissa Yeo, charged journalists to continue to champion the success the UNICEF programmes in the zone and the country in general. He said the role of journalists in the implementation of UNICEF programmes in Nigeria was very vital.

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