Prioritising Nigeria’s Future: Expert Advocates for Child Health, Nutrition, and Education at PAN Conference

Prioritising Nigeria’s Future: Expert Advocates for Child Health, Nutrition, and Education at PAN Conference

The President of the International Paediatric Association (IPA), Dr. Ekanem N. Ekure, has called for multi-sectoral partnerships to address the health and well-being of Nigerian children.

She made the appeal during the 56th Annual Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) held in Gombe on Tuesday.

Dr. Ekure highlighted Nigeria’s demographic reality, where 42% of the population is under 15, and raised concerns about significant child health challenges.

Although under-five mortality rates have declined from 132 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2023, neonatal deaths remain prevalent due to preventable causes such as infections and birth complications.

“To enhance child survival rates, we need increased skilled birth attendance, robust emergency preparedness, and reliable data systems,” she emphasised.

She commended PAN’s neonatal resuscitation training, which has been instrumental in reducing perinatal deaths since its launch in 2005.

Dr. Ekure also described malnutrition as a critical crisis, revealing that nearly 40% of Nigerian children under five are stunted — among the highest rates globally.

“Economic hardships, climate change, and insecurity are exacerbating this crisis,” she stated, urging the government to implement policies that strengthen food security and promote exclusive breastfeeding as key interventions.

On vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Ekure raised alarm that only 39% of children aged 12-23 months were fully vaccinated in 2023. She revealed that PAN is combating this challenge through regional workshops and awareness campaigns, particularly to dispel myths surrounding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer.

Turning to education, Dr. Ekure lamented that one in five out-of-school children globally reside in Nigeria. She stressed the need for the full implementation of the Child Rights Act of 2003 to improve access to education, especially for girls, and to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Dr. Ekure pledged that actionable recommendations would emerge from the conference, saying, “This platform serves as a clarion call to prioritize the Nigerian child’s health and future through collaboration, innovation, and accountability.”

The 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference underscored the urgency of addressing critical issues affecting children while offering a hopeful path forward for their health and well-being.