Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has revealed that the progress towards child health in Nigeria is being hindered by the reluctance of five states to adopt and domesticate the Child’s Right Act (2003).
President of PAN, Prof. Olufemi Ogunrinde, made this known, yesterday, at the 55th Annual General Meeting Scientific Conference in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Beyond Strategies and Goals: Reaching every child in Nigeria with Optimal Care.’
Expressing deep concern on the issue, Ogunrinde urged all states to adopt and domesticate the Child’s Right Act (2003) as a step towards safeguarding the rights of every child in the country. He specifically urged Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano and Zamfara state to prioritise the adoption of the critical legislation.
The expert expressed worry as Nigeria grapples with the challenge of achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to child health.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), many countries are still not on track to reach the SDG targets for reducing maternal and child mortality by 2030.
Ogunrinde sought government’s attention on the escalating issue of brain drain in the healthcare sector. He called on national leaders to implement pragmatic solutions, urging the creation of an environment that retains healthcare professionals within the country.
He stated further: “We have 6.2 million children in Nigeria, who have never received any vaccine or missed almost all their vaccines. These so-called zero-dose children are part of the main reasons we are having outbreaks such as diphtheria in some parts of the country.
“We need to reach every child in the country, irrespective of their location with vaccination and healthcare to guarantee the optimal wellbeing of each Nigerian citizen. This will require that we play catch-up with the vaccination programme, spread awareness about the immeasurable benefits of vaccination, and counter all misinformation and disinformation that are designed to keep the Nigerian child from getting vaccinated.
“All hands will be needed onboard, including our traditional and religious leaders, community mobilisers, social influencers and security personnel. PAN will continue to do all within its power to encourage our colleagues to remain in the fray to promote the health of the Nigerian child.”
