Nigeria has been urged to ramp up its efforts to reduce under-five mortality by nine times in order to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2 target by 2030.
Currently, Nigeria’s annual reduction rate for under-five mortality stands at just 1.8%, which is inadequate to meet the SDG target. UNICEF has emphasized that this rate needs to be increased to 16.5% per year to reach the goal.
To achieve this, UNICEF stresses the necessity of strong collaboration between the government, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
Martin Dohlsten, UNICEF’s Health Manager for MNCAH and HIV, highlighted that only half of Nigerian women receive assistance from skilled birth attendants during childbirth. He noted that there is a direct correlation between the presence of skilled attendants and the survival rates of children.
Data from Rivers State has shown promising trends, yet Nigeria’s high mortality rates remain a concern. According to Dohlsten, 32% of children in Nigeria die within the first 28 days of life due to prematurity or birth asphyxia, while 79% of newborn deaths are attributed to infections, prematurity, and asphyxia.
Dohlsten stressed the need for the Nigerian government to focus on improving neonatal healthcare, pointing out several challenges such as the lack of stable electricity, clean water, skilled birth attendants, a robust referral system, and clinical guidelines for maternal and newborn care.
UNICEF has been leading vaccination campaigns across Nigeria to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. Dr. Abe Eghe, UNICEF Health Specialist, mentioned that Rivers State had conducted a measles campaign, achieving 78% of its target coverage.
The organization has also supported the establishment of a neonatal healthcare unit at Eleme General Hospital and assisted in setting up oxygen plants that aid in treating critical conditions, especially those related to childbirth complications.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Dr. Anslem Otobo Audu, called for greater investment in children’s healthcare infrastructure, especially for newborns. He emphasized the importance of increasing funding for the upgrading of primary healthcare centers.
Audu stressed the need to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to quality services, and raise awareness on the importance of early and continuous healthcare for children.
