By Oluwabukola Akanni
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria says inadequate investment in the health sector is
The association made this known while addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan ahead of its 50th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
Dr Edward Alikor, the President-elect of the association, said that improved health indices would contribute significantly to economic progress.
“Health is linked to life and death of a people, better health is central to human happiness and their well being.
“Many countries that have improved on their health indices did so with help from the private sector.
“Government should encourage private sector investment in healthcare in order to increase our deliverables,” he said.
The National President of the association Dr Augustine Omoigberale, solicited for partnership with the media in promoting advocacy for children’s health and well being.
“No child should be denied access to quality healthcare.
“Improved awareness on importance of immunisation and increased vaccination is key to reducing child mortality and morbidity rates.
“We are urging the media to partner with us in raising awareness and public sensitisation on best practices in order to save our newborns and children.
“Government should also institutionalise and strengthen routine immunisation schedule to prevent missed opportunities and prevent common childhood diseases,” he said.
Omoigberale also called for improved access to healthcare facilities for equitable and optimal chance of survival.
Also speaking, a medical practitioner, Dr Ngozi Ibeziaka, said that childhood deaths were due to preventable ailments such as malaria, malnutrition, birth asphyxia, poor environmental health, infections a d neonatal jaundice.
Ibeziaka said there are currently 147 deaths per 1,000 live births while many children do not survive beyond their fifth birthday.
“This figure is abysmal; the major cause of these deaths can, however, be addressed with appropriate interventions.
“Such interventions, which include a multi-sectoral approach, would need to ensure there is increased level of awareness and sensitisation among parents on best practices to increase the chance of the child’s survival.
“Also, to ensure that children survive and live to attain their life potentials, there is a need to have skilled attendants for antenatal, birth and postnatal care,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association seeks to influence all policies and programmes that impact on the wellbeing of every child through advocacy and strategic interventions. (NAN)
