Nigeria: NNIA reinforces commitment to reducing child mortality

A two day workshop on neonatal resuscitation and Kangaroo Mother Care was organised at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State Nigeria, in partnership with the Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa from 15-16 August 2016. Prof A. Eneh, paediatrician at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, confirmed that Nigeria is one of 10 countries that contribute to two-thirds of all new-born deaths worldwide. It also has the highest number of new-born deaths in Africa and second highest globally. A total of 44% of under-five years old mortalities are due to neonatal causes. A closer look at the causes of neonatal mortality highlights that the three main killers are:

Prematurity (32%)
Birth asphyxia (31%), and 
Neonatal infection (22%) 

Over 100 health care professionals (HCP) drawn from 30 hospitals across Rivers State were trained in neonatal resuscitation and Kangaroo Mother Care skills. It is believed that improving skills of HCPs will drastically reduce the current neonatal mortality rate.