PUNCH
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, said too many women still die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and too many children fail to reach their fifth birthday due to preventable diseases.
Aina said this on Monday in Abuja at the ongoing two-day engagement meeting on vaccination, maternal and child health with religious leaders from northern Nigeria organised by the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development with support by NPHCDA.
The NPHCDA boss also said Nigeria had recorded a total of 70 cases of circulating variant poliovirus Type 2 from 46 local government areas across 14 northern states
“Every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under five years old children and 145 women of childbearing age. Most of these deaths are occurring in northern Nigeria.
“Also, Nigeria is currently witnessing intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus Type 2, with a total of 70 cVPV2 from 46 LGAs across 14 Northern states. This is an indication of continuous transmission of the virus due to low routine immunisation, and refusal of vaccines during polio campaigns.
“This must change. We must ensure that every woman has access to antenatal care, that every pregnancy is delivered by trained and skilled midwives, and that every child completes their routine immunisation according to the national schedule and gets vaccinated every time vaccination teams visit their homes. Together, we must work to create a system that ensures no mother or child is left behind.”
Aina urged the religious leaders to make a renewed commitment to the health of the people and communities.
“We must focus on breaking down barriers to care, ensuring equitable access to services, and building trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Our collective efforts can create an environment where every Nigerian child is immunised, and every Nigerian mother receives the care she deserves.”
