Pneumonia: FG Commits To Strengthening Child Health Policies

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Pneumonia and Prematurity Day, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s high childhood mortality rates.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this on Wednesday at an event to mark World Pneumonia and Prematurity Day 2024 in Abuja,

He called for urgent action to tackle pneumonia and prematurity, which together account for a significant portion of the nation’s under-five deaths.

Dr Salako emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that Nigeria contributes 16 per cent of the global under-five mortality rate. “More than one in eight Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday, and pneumonia remains a leading killer,” he lamented.

The minister noted that childhood pneumonia causes over 800,000 deaths annually worldwide, with Nigeria among 15 countries accounting for three-quarters of these fatalities.

Despite some progress in reducing under-five mortality from 132 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2023, the minister warned that Nigeria was unlikely to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030 without scaling up proven interventions.

Dr Salako highlighted the ministry’s collaboration with global organisations such as the Every Breath Counts Coalition and the Pediatric Association of Nigeria. He credited these partnerships with impactful initiatives, including developing an In-Patient Pneumonia Treatment Algorithm and enhanced training for healthcare workers.

However, he acknowledged the need for broader strategies, including promoting routine immunisation, exclusive breastfeeding, improved hygiene, and better access to oxygen in healthcare facilities.

Dr. Salako also praised HATCH Technologies and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria for donating 400 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to support newborn care in 139 health facilities nationwide.

Addressing underlying drivers of childhood pneumonia, the minister pointed to environmental factors such as air pollution. He cited UNICEF data ranking Nigeria as the highest globally for air pollution-related child pneumonia deaths.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachollom Daju, underscored the dual themes for this year’s observance: “Access to Quality Care Everywhere” and “Partnership for Progress.” She called for universal health coverage and increased equity in healthcare access to ensure every child has a chance to thrive.

Daju also highlighted existing national policies and guidelines, such as the Nigeria Every Newborn Action Plan (NiENAP), which targets neonatal mortality reduction to 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030.

She advocated for improved vaccination coverage and better nutrition to combat pneumonia.