The Paediatric Association of Nigeria has raised concerns about the alarming rate of zero-dose immunization in the country, highlighting that over 2.5 million Nigerian children remain unvaccinated.
Professor Ekanem Ekure, the President-elect of PAN, shared these apprehensions during a press conference in Lagos with the theme “Reaching every child with optimal care.”
Professor Ekure, a specialist in paediatrics at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, emphasized the critical need for immunization, stating that Nigeria has the highest burden of under-five deaths in the whole world, and it is probably not too surprising when you consider that Nigeria has the highest zero-dose vaccine in the world. 2.5 million children are yet to be immunized.
This revelation comes after Dr Walter Mulombo, the World Health Country Representative in Nigeria, highlighted last year that approximately 6.2 million Nigerian children were unvaccinated between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The press conference also addressed broader issues affecting child health in Nigeria. Professor Ekure identified child abuse, malnutrition, and child labour as significant challenges hindering optimal care. The association expressed its commitment to leveraging advocacy efforts to reach children across the nation and address these pressing concerns.
Professor Oluremi Ogunride, the President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need for enhanced resource management in the country to counteract the brain drain syndrome affecting the health sector. He highlighted the importance of training paediatricians to take on supervisory roles to address health challenges effectively.
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria’s conference aimed to address critical issues affecting child health in the country. From the importance of immunization to combatting child abuse, malnutrition, and drain syndrome, the association articulated a comprehensive strategy to improve pediatric care and ensure the well-being of Nigeria’s children.