Nigeria’s neonatal mortality needs urgent attention – UNICEF 

The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) health manager, Martin Dohlsten, Wednesday, said despite all efforts to improve healthcare, Nigeria’s neonatal mortality rates have remained stagnant since 1990 and needs urgent attention.

He stated this in an exclusive interview with Blueprint in Abuja, noting that the health status of children in the country is yet to witness any improvement, which is why the situation needs further attention.

Dohlsten said socio-economic factors play significant roles in determining health outcomes for newborns as expectant mothers face hardships that affect their health.

The UNICEF officer added that COVID-19 raised awareness on the critical role of oxygen in treating sick newborns as “Oxygen supply is critical, especially for those with underdeveloped lungs.”

He said UNICEF has implemented various interventions to improve newborn care, including establishing oxygen plants and newborn units, and supporting capacity-building programmes for healthcare staff.

However, Dohlsten said effective collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners is crucial for addressing the gaps in newborn care.

“The media also plays a critical role in raising awareness and documenting progress,” he said.

Dohlsten encouraged media professionals to help amplify the importance of newborn care and highlight challenges and opportunities for improvement.

He said addressing newborn challenges required holistic approach that involves multiple stakeholders.