Nigeria’s poor child health indices not population-related —Don

By SADE OGUNTOLA

A medical expert, Professor Theodore Okeahialam, has said that Nigeria’s poor child health indices are due to lack of political and inadequate commitment to health care rather than her large population.

Professor Okeahialam, a foremost paediatrician, who spoke at the 50th annual general meeting of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, said Nigeria’s infant mortality rate is high unlike other countries with large population like India and Brazil.

According to him, unlike Nigeria with a population of 200 million and infant mortality rate (IMR) of 70 on the average, India with a population of 1.2 billion has an IMR of 42.

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In addition, he declared that China’s IMR with a population of 2.6 billion was 17 in 2007 and 8 in 2017, while Brazil, a highly industrialised country with a population of 220 million has IMR 14.

Professor Okeahialam stated that Nigeria’s poor child health indices are reliable indicators of Nigeria’s poor socio-economic status and overall level of low quality of health care delivery services and health of the people.

He declared: “The current situation in Nigeria is no better and perhaps worse than what obtained in 2007. There is increased widespread poverty, ignorance in addition to the effects of prevalent infections and under-nutrition.”

Professor Okeahialam said that malaria will continue to be endemic in Nigeria and a major cause of mortality and morbidity of children until a realistic policy of vector control that ensures environmental sanitation, effective drainage systems, improved housing and efficient disposal of plastics is enforced.

He remarked that how children are treated is a revelation of the society’s soul, adding that “child health is politics and so pediatricians should speak out and influence policies that support the growth, development and protection of the Nigerian child.

Professor Okeahialam added, “with advocacy, commitment to research and effective clinical practice, the Nigerian child will experience a much higher standard of living.”

As children advocates, he urged paediatricians to use their votes wisely to protect the interest of children at all levels.

Vice chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Olayinka, said increased universal health coverage and supplies like medicines; rehabilitation of hospital facilities, and improved human resource are important in achieving an improved health index.

Olayinka, who was represented by UI’s deputy vice chancellor, administration, Professor Kayode Adebowale, said called on pediatricians to work at challenges of child health such as Nigeria’s reducing immunization coverage.

Oyo state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, speaking through Oyo Health Commissioner, Dr Azeez Adeduntan,