The Department of Paediatrics at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) has marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration with a two-day programme that combined community health outreach, school-based health education and specialised training for healthcare professionals aimed at improving newborn survival.

The event, held between May 26 and June 3, focused on raising awareness about child health and equipping healthcare workers with critical skills in neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care.
The first day of activities featured a hospital sensitisation rally and school health programmes across four secondary schools in Ekpoma and Irrua. Students received health talks, underwent basic health screenings and were educated on healthy lifestyle practices.

On the second day, more than 200 healthcare professionals from ISTH and neighbouring health facilities participated in a training workshop on Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) and Essential Newborn Care. The programme was designed to strengthen practical skills in neonatal resuscitation and newborn care as part of efforts to reduce infant mortality rates.

Scientific lectures during the workshop were delivered by Dr Lilian Akerele, an HBB Champion, and Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Ibrahim Umar, a senior nursing officer at ISTH.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Rt Hon Jonathan Aigbokhan Ibhamawu, who chaired the occasion and was represented by Hon Henry Irene, former Secretary to the Esan West Local Government Council and current member of the Edo State House of Assembly Commission.

Also present were the Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of ISTH, Prof. Reuben Agbons Eifediyi; Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Olakunle Michael Obagaye, alongside his deputies; Provost of the College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Prof Sunday Olowo; Director of Administration, Barr Edna Inegbedion; and Acting Head of Nursing Services, DNS Rasheedat Omokhudu Yesufu.

Other attendees included Dr Joseph Okoeguale, Director of the Institute of Viral and Emergent Pathogens Control and Research (IVEPCR) and Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, ISTH Branch; Provost of the ISTH College of Nursing, Dr Constance Izekor; consultants and resident doctors from the Department of Paediatrics; Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Charles Igene; and Dr Odion Majirie, who represented the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors, ISTH.

Also in attendance were Dr Gloria Eifediyi, child rights campaigner and convener of the ISTH Annual Children’s Christmas Party; Dr Irene Akhideno, Consultant Anaesthesiologist and former Head of the Department of Anaesthesia; Rev Fr Daniel Ewah, Chaplain of St Luke’s Chaplaincy at ISTH; four of the five Primary Health Care Coordinators in Edo Central Senatorial District; and senior medical and nursing personnel from both public and private healthcare institutions across the district.

A renowned Professor of Paediatrics, Prof Philip Abiodun, joined the programme virtually, while 500-level medical students of the MED 2017 class of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, participated in supporting the smooth execution of the event.

Declaring the training workshop open, Prof Reuben Agbons Eifediyi said the programme underscored the hospital’s commitment to safeguarding the health of children.

“Children are the foundation of our future. This Children’s Day celebration reflects ISTH’s commitment to investing in their health today so they can thrive tomorrow. Training over 200 health workers in newborn care is a direct step towards saving more lives in our communities,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Rt Hon Jonathan Ibhamawu commended the Paediatrics Department for extending healthcare services beyond hospital premises.

“Our children deserve the best start in life. I commend the Department of Paediatrics, ISTH, for taking healthcare beyond the hospital walls to schools and communities. This is the kind of proactive engagement that builds a healthier Edo State,” he said.

The Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, said the initiative addressed both preventive and clinical aspects of child healthcare.

“Newborn mortality remains a challenge, but skills save lives. The Helping Babies Breathe and Essential Newborn Care training equips our health workers with simple, effective interventions. Day one took us to schools, while day two strengthened our workforce. Both are critical for child survival,” he said.
Dr Eigbedion reaffirmed the department’s commitment to promoting child health through public education, community outreach and continuous professional development.

The two-day celebration concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants and recognition awards to individuals who contributed to the success of the programme.

Among the award recipients were Dr Ehisuan Ehiaghe, Dr Matthew Apeleokha, Dr Chiemeka Ogbonnaya, Chief Resident of the Department of Paediatrics; Dr Gloria Eifediyi; Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Mr Ibrahim Umar; Dr Grace Kyunni, Secretary of the Local Organising Committee; and Dr Sheila Ojor Ileli, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2026 ISTH Children’s Day celebration.

Organisers also expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that made voluntary financial contributions towards the successful hosting of the event.