Study proffers solution to neonatal mortality in Nigeria

A Study has revealed that Nigeria’s high neonatal mortality rate could be significantly reduced by scaling up the use of existing, locally developed innovations.

The study, led by Prof Hippolite Amadi from Imperial College London, suggests that Nigeria’s homegrown scientific breakthroughs, which have shown great promise in treating newborns, have been largely ignored by policymakers, contributing to the country’s persistently high infant mortality rate.

The review, published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, analysed 32 years of research and explored the potential of nationally scaling up low-cost technologies and treatments that have been developed within Nigeria. According to the study, these innovations could prevent many newborn deaths if they were implemented more widely, especially in rural areas where access to neonatal care remains limited.

Amadi, who received the 2023 Nigeria Prize for Science for his contributions to neonatal care, highlighted that Nigeria already possesses the necessary technology to reduce newborn mortality. Still, these solutions have yet to be adopted on a national scale.

“Nigeria has the power to reduce its infant mortality rate. We already possess the necessary knowledge and technology, cultivated by decades of Nigerian research and innovation. We need to put the policies and leadership in place to make these improvements where needed most,” he said.

The study points out that despite several successful innovations, including adaptive care pathways for premature births, low-cost respiratory support for low-birth-weight newborns, and solar-powered phototherapy machines for neonatal jaundice, these technologies are still largely confined to major cities. Rural areas continue to face a severe lack of access to these critical care solutions.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that globally, 6,500 newborns die every day, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest neonatal mortality rate in the world, at 27 deaths per 1,000 live births.

In this region, which includes Nigeria, the study revealed that a child born is 11 times more likely to die in their first month of life than one born in Australia and New Zealand, which have some of the lowest mortality rates.

To explore ways to address this issue, the research team reviewed 4,286 publications, identifying 19 potential strategies to reduce neonatal mortality. Of these, 14 strategies were proven to produce significant results when tested in hospitals. However, none of these strategies have been adopted nationally, preventing many newborns from benefiting from these advancements.

Amadi argued that Nigeria’s case is not unique and could serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that face similar challenges with high infant mortality rates. “All low- and middle-income countries must look inward to strengthen and use what they already possess,” he said.

“Nigeria and other LMICs already possess the game-changing science and technology to prevent many of its newborn deaths. It’s now in policymakers’ hands to scale up these innovations nationally and accelerate infant survival.”

The study calls for policymakers to prioritise the adoption and scaling of these locally developed innovations to tackle the country’s neonatal mortality crisis. With the right leadership and investment, Nigeria has the potential to significantly reduce newborn deaths and improve infant health outcomes across the country.

MEANWHILE, a recent video posted by Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has yet again shed light on the deplorable state of some primary health care centres in Nigeria.

The video he shared on his social media handles revealed the sorry state of a primary healthcare facility he visited as he shared his concerns about the lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure, and poor conditions faced by both patients and healthcare workers.

He mentioned the issue of inadequate power supply at the facility and emphasised that the absence of proper lighting and equipment significantly compromises the healthcare workers’ ability. For instance, they use torch lights during night deliveries to perform safe deliveries, especially in critical situations.

Egemba stressed that such neglect of primary health care was a major issue hindering the country’s healthcare system. He further criticised the government’s focus on constructing expensive ultramodern hospitals, while neglecting primary healthcare centres that serve as the backbone of healthcare delivery in many local communities. He called on Nigerian leaders to direct more attention and funding to primary health care services.

“Tell your leaders that they should focus on primary healthcare centres and not build ultramodern hospitals everywhere. Because everyone deserves access to the highest quality care possible,” he said.