SQL/DB Error -- [Unknown table engine 'InnoDB'] Nigeria Human rights | Society | Health
30 million children targeted in Nigeria's immunization campaignafrol News, 31 July - Some 30 million youngsters will receive immunization during Nigeria’s first-ever National Child Health Week, launched today by the head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the country’s health minister in the capital, Abuja.“Sadly, more children die in Nigeria than any other country in Africa, largely from preventable diseases,” UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said, adding, “Child Health Weeks have proven to be a highly effective strategy to save lives and prevent illness.”
The Child Health Weeks, such as the one being held in Nigeria from 1 to 8 August, also enable the delivery of a package of high-impact, low-cost child survival interventions, noted the agency.
Children, especially those in rural areas, will receive immunizations, de-worming medicines, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets. In addition, mothers will receive counselling on key household practices such as breastfeeding and basic hygiene.
Over the course of next week, 30 million children will receive immunizations, including for polio, which is contracted through contaminated food, water and faeces and mainly affects children under five.
Nigeria is one of four countries – along with Afghanistan, India and Pakistan – where the disease is still endemic, and accounts for 85 percent of all cases in Africa.
Ms Veneman, who is on a four-day visit to Nigeria, also announced the allocation of over $5 million to help educate people in the country about the importance of polio immunizations.
She noted that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with 149 million people, including 75 million children. While it is a resource-rich country, over half of the population lives in poverty.
The country also faces vast regional disparities in human development with more progress being made in the south than in the north, according to UNICEF, which noted that nutritional insecurity is also a serious concern.
“Malnutrition is a silent emergency in Nigeria,” said Ms Veneman. “Among children under age five, 29 per cent are underweight. Nearly 3 million children are suffering from chronic malnutrition and more than 1 million from stunting. This is simply unacceptable,” she added.
National Child Health Weeks will be held twice a year in Nigeria in close cooperation with the government. By staff writer © afrol News - Create an e-mail alert for Nigeria news - Create an e-mail alert for Human rights news - Create an e-mail alert for Society news - Create an e-mail alert for Health news
On the Afrol News front page now
Central African Republic falling apart
afrol News - One month after the rebel movement Séléka took over power in the Central African Republic, unrest is spreading in the country. The new leader lacks control of his forces, which continue looting and abusing civilians.
|
Kenyatta secures tight victory in Kenya
afrol News - The official election results in Kenya have finally been announced, and Uhuru Kenyatta managed to win the first poll round outright with a narrow 50.7 percent. But the main opponent, PM Raila Odinga, is filing a vote rigging complaint to the courts.
|
Cape Verde Cape Verde to produce dragon fruit
afrol News - Cape Verde authorities have invested large sums to diversify the arid country's agricultural sector. Now, the dragon fruit, originating in tropical America, is being introduced for the first commercial production in Africa.
|
|