- PAN raises alarm over Nigerian children’s deteriorating wellbeing due to insecurity, citing concerns over inadequate immunization and rising malnutrition
- Dr. Ekanem Ekure expresses dismay at insecurity’s impact on children, highlighting low vaccine coverage and alarming rates of preventable diseases
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating well-being of Nigerian children due to escalating insecurity, citing concerns over inadequate immunization coverage and rising cases of malnutrition.
Dr. Ekanem Ekure, President of PAN, expressed dismay at the prevailing insecurity and its detrimental impact on children, who are increasingly deprived of essential immunization services and facing heightened risk of malnutrition.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos held during the National Immunisation Champions Workshop, jointly organized with the International Paediatric Association (IPA), Dr. Ekure highlighted the grim reality of low vaccine coverage in Nigeria, estimating it to be below 25 percent. She lamented the alarming rate of preventable diseases claiming the lives of many children across the country.
Naveen Thacker, President of IPA, visiting Nigeria for the workshop, emphasized the importance of addressing the country’s immunization challenges. He noted that IPA has implemented similar initiatives in other nations and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in improving immunization coverage rates.
The workshop, aimed at advancing PAN’s advocacy efforts for immunization priorities, underscores the urgent need for collaborative action to bolster immunization programs and safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerian children amidst growing insecurity.
As stakeholders convene to address these pressing issues, PAN and IPA remain steadfast in their mission to combat low vaccine coverage and mitigate the adverse effects of insecurity on the health of Nigeria’s youngest citizens.
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