Community awareness alone could cut newborn deaths in Nigeria in half. Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, a senior paediatrician and CEO of OUTREACH Medical Services, made this clear during a recent media webinar. The event focused on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEMONC) and its impact on saving mothers and babies.
Nigeria ranks among the four worst countries globally for newborn survival. One in every 25 Nigerian newborns dies. The country also records the second-highest number of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. Yet, Dr. Dosekun stressed that people can prevent most of these deaths.
She explained that success requires a fully integrated system. This system must link community awareness with primary care, secondary facilities, and referral hospitals. Without this connection, even good medical care may arrive too late.
Families, traditional birth attendants, and community leaders must learn to spot danger signs early. These include poor feeding, fever, jaundice, breathing trouble, or a baby not crying at birth. When they recognize these signs quickly, they can refer the case immediately and save lives.
Dr. Dosekun also called for three key improvements: reliable emergency transport, coordinated referral systems, and better data collection. Together, these ensure a fast and effective response once someone identifies a problem.
The main causes of newborn deaths in Nigeria are prematurity, birth asphyxia, sepsis, severe jaundice, birth trauma, and anaemia. Jaundice often appears mild but can worsen fast without treatment. It may cause brain damage or death. Preterm birth is another major cause—but proper antenatal and obstetric care can prevent many of these cases.
She described CEMONC as more than a health program. “It is a national survival effort,” she said. If Nigeria invests in early referral, funding, staff training, and mid-level neonatal care over the next four years, it can dramatically reduce newborn deaths.
Furthermore, she linked this mission to national progress. Healthy children grow into productive adults. Protecting them builds stronger human capital—and a stronger economy.
In short, medical infrastructure matters. But so does community knowledge. With better awareness, faster action, and stronger systems, Nigeria can turn the tide on newborn deaths in Nigeria—and secure a healthier future for all.
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