FG Moves to Cut Newborn Deaths from Bacterial Infections
The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to strengthen management of Possible Serious Bacterial Infections, PSBI, in newborns to reduce under-five mortality.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated this recently during national meeting in Abuja to disseminate research findings on PSBI management among infants.
Pate, represented by the Director of Family Health, Dr. John Ovoraye, highlighted that PSBI remains a leading cause of newborn illness and death, especially in low-resource settings like Nigeria.
“Despite progress in improving child survival, infections in the first two months of life still account for a large share of under-five deaths,” he said. “This underscores the need for early identification, timely referral and effective management.”
In a statement by Ado Bako, Asst Director, Press and Public Relations, the Minister disclosed that PSBI management has been integrated into the Nigeria Child Survival Action Plan, the country’s roadmap for reducing under-five mortality.
He added that the Ministry has also aligned interventions with the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, IMCI, strategy, which provides standard protocols for identifying and referring infants with PSBI.
“This ensures a comprehensive approach to child health that addresses multiple conditions together,” Pate said.
According to him, the Ministry is committed to ensuring that every newborn and infant has access to timely, life-saving care. He added that the research findings would help shape policies and improve service delivery at primary healthcare level.
“This dissemination is timely and critical. The findings give us evidence on what works, what doesn’t, and where to strengthen efforts,” the Minister stressed
Prof. Robinson Wammanda, who reviewed the research, said studies on PSBI have spanned over 30 years and will help countries like Nigeria implement evidence-based care in resource-limited communities.
Dr. Amina Muhammad, Director of Child Health, thanked participants and pledged to present the outcomes to the minister for action.
