Nigeria records about 850,000 preventable child deaths every year, according to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, who described the figure as unacceptably high despite recent progress in reducing under‑five mortality.
Speaking at the 2025 World Pneumonia and Prematurity Days in Abuja, Pate noted that while child mortality has declined by 45 per cent over the past two decades — from 201 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 110 in 2023 — the country still faces a staggering burden of avoidable deaths linked to pneumonia, premature birth complications, and other preventable causes.
The minister, however, expressed concern over slow progress in reducing newborn deaths, which had only marginally declined from 42 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 41 in 2024.
Pate said the 2025 commemoration themes, “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Brighter Future” and “Child Survival: Focusing on Pneumonia’s Impact as the Leading Infectious Cause of Child Death,” highlighted urgent child health priorities.
He noted that both themes underscore the need for collective responsibility, renewed action, and stronger collaboration among governments, health workers, and partners to end preventable newborn and child deaths in Nigeria.
On the National Birth Defect Surveillance Guideline, the minister said it was Nigeria’s first standardised framework for data collection, early detection, and management of congenital disabilities.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr Amina Mohammed, Director of the Child Health Division, stated that the joint commemoration provided a platform to renew the national commitment to child survival.
She said the focus areas included strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to oxygen therapy and Kangaroo Mother Care, and promoting early breastfeeding to improve newborn survival.
World Pneumonia Day is observed annually on November 12 to raise awareness and promote the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pneumonia.
World Prematurity Day, observed every November 17, focuses on the challenges facing babies born before 37 weeks of gestation.
