FG Highlights Newborn Mortality As Child Deaths Decline
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Federal Government has called for greater public participation in preventive healthcare, highlighting the need to improve maternal and newborn health alongside efforts to reduce deaths among children under five.
The development was contained in a press statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, following the commemoration of the 2026 National Health Promotion Day in Abuja. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their health through early disease detection, healthier lifestyles and timely access to medical services. The event was themed “Health Promotion: Owning My Health,” with the slogan “Take Charge, Live Well.”
Figures from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey cited by Pate showed that under-five mortality declined from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024. Neonatal mortality, however, increased from 39 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period. The statement did not explain the increase, but the figures highlight the continuing need to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare.
Pate reaffirmed the FG’s commitment to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which prioritises maternal and child health, primary healthcare, immunisation and efforts to address non communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. He also identified ongoing preventive interventions, including hypertension screening, hepatitis elimination initiatives such as Project 365, cervical cancer prevention and improved nutrition.
The minister said the effectiveness of these programmes should be measured through increased screening, completed referrals, access to treatment and reductions in preventable illnesses. He stressed that public awareness alone would have limited impact if Nigerians could not afford screening, obtain appropriate treatment or receive safe and respectful care.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, families, schools, workplaces, traditional and religious institutions, the media, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to promote healthy diets, physical activity, good hygiene, mental well-being, vaccination and routine screening. He also urged federal, state and local governments to integrate health promotion into primary healthcare and community development planning, particularly to reach vulnerable and underserved populations.
Development partners and civil society organisations at the event pledged continued support for the ministry’s health promotion initiatives. Dr. Olukunle Omotoso, representing the United Nations Population Fund, highlighted community engagement, health literacy, gender equality and access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for women and young people. CARE International, represented by Oluloto Ebenezer, pledged support for community-based initiatives, while the Africa Health Budget Network and other stakeholders emphasised family planning, healthy nutrition and routine screening for hypertension and diabetes.
Kachollom encouraged participants to take advantage of screening services provided at the venue. As Nigeria marked its third National Health Promotion Day, the ministry urged citizens to seek credible health information, understand their health risks, participate in recommended screening and immunisation programmes, and seek medical attention promptly when necessary.