From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Medical experts have expressed growing concern over the increasing threats to newborn and child health in Nigeria and across parts of West Africa, citing socio-economic and cultural challenges that continue to undermine survival rates.
The warning was issued yesterday during a virtual media review on Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health in West and Central Africa, organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) regional office and REMAPSEN, a pan-African media network promoting health and the environment.
Speaking during the session, Vice President of the African Neonatal Association, Prof. Faye Moctar, identified poverty, limited access to healthcare and deeply rooted traditional beliefs as some of the key issues endangering newborn survival in the region, especially in Nigeria and Senegal.
“There are a lot of challenges, particularly in Nigeria and my country, Senegal. These challenges, ranging from economic hardship, harmful cultural practices to reliance on traditional birth attendants, pose serious threats to the health and survival of newborns,” Prof. Moctar stated.
Focusing on care for sick and low birthweight babies, he stressed that addressing these problems requires urgent intervention and stronger investment in maternal and neonatal care systems.
Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist for the West and Central Africa Regional Office, Dr. Tomomi Kitamura, urged governments to prioritise lifesaving interventions for mothers, newborns and children, noting that early action could significantly improve child health outcomes.
President of the Association of Francophone Black African Paediatricians, Prof. Mariam Sylla, added her voice to the call for safer neonatal practices, advising families to avoid the use of harmful substances on newborns, particularly on the umbilical cord.
“Using salt or any unapproved substance on the umbilical cord is dangerous. Only antiseptics recommended at authorised health facilities should be used. Such harmful practices must stop,” she warned.
The experts agreed that improving newborn survival in the region would require a coordinated approach involving health policy reform, community education, better access to facilities and sustained advocacy against harmful traditions.