Pediatricians seek measures to safeguard children in crowded gatherings

In the wake of the tragic stampede that claimed 35 children’s lives at the Islamic High School in Ibadan, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future.

In a statement jointly signed by the president, Dr Ekanem Ekure, and secretary, Dr Chika Duru, the association reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of children in crowded gatherings.

They, however, stressed that the incident serves as a wake-up call, particularly as the country enters a festive season filled with numerous public events likely to involve children.

However, PAN warned that children, in their excitement, may exhibit behaviours that expose them to risks and without adequate supervision, may rush, wander off, or make poor judgments, inadvertently placing themselves in harm’s way.

To address these risks, PAN underscored the need to create child-friendly environments at public gatherings as the Child Rights Act mandates the protection of children from harm. They also called on policymakers and event organisers to ensure the safety of venues hosting children’s activities.

The association urged event organisers to conduct detailed risk assessments as part of their preparations including crowd management, emergency response plans, and provisions for child-specific needs such as medical supplies and trained personnel.

Preparedness, according to PAN, is key to ensuring safety and urged event organisers to establish child-safe zones, as well as train staff on managing children during emergencies. They further emphasised the prioritisation of children during a stampede or other emergencies with specialised response teams.

The association also called for collaboration among key stakeholders, including government agencies, event organizers, caregivers, and policymakers to create a framework that prioritises child safety at public gatherings.

PAN recommended mandatory risk assessments for public events and imposing sanctions on organisers who fail to meet safety standards. The association called for the development of robust policies and practices that prioritise the safety of children in crowded environments, ensuring that no child’s life is lost to preventable tragedies.

Event organisers, PAN argued, must go beyond providing entertainment and refreshments to adopting child-friendly practices that prioritise safety. This includes planning for potential emergencies, such as evacuation procedures and medical care tailored to children.

The association’s call to action extended to parents and caregivers, urging them to remain vigilant during public events and to advocate for safer environments for their children. PAN emphasised that child safety is a shared responsibility that requires the collective effort of all stakeholders.

They also outlined the roles of key stakeholders in safeguarding children and urged the government to implement, as well as enforce policies prioritising crowd safety, including mandatory risk assessments and sanctions for non-compliance.

Reaffirming its commitment to child safety, PAN expressed its readiness to collaborate with stakeholders, including event organisers, caregivers, and policymakers, to develop preventive measures, provide training, and shape policies that prioritise children’s protection.