The federal government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the rise in neonatal mortality in the country, despite a decline in deaths among children under five. According to the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, under-five mortality declined from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024, representing a reduction of about 17 per cent. However, neonatal mortality, which measures deaths within the first 28 days of life, increased from 39 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births within the same period.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this information while citing the survey at the commemoration of the 2026 National Health Promotion Day in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the figures highlight the need to accelerate preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and timely access to quality medical services. The event, themed “Health Promotion: Owning My Health,” with the slogan “Take Charge, Live Well,” marked the third edition of the National Health Promotion Day.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which prioritises improving maternal and child health, strengthening primary healthcare, expanding immunisation, tackling non-communicable diseases and reducing the burden of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. He described health promotion as a strategic investment in the country’s health system, noting that improving health outcomes required more than the availability of hospital services.
According to Mr Pate, preventive interventions, informed individual choices, healthier environments and systems that support citizens’ wellbeing are equally important. He listed ongoing preventive health interventions to include hypertension detection, hepatitis elimination through initiatives such as Project 365, cervical cancer prevention and screening, improved nutrition, immunisation and measures to prevent and control communicable diseases.
The minister stressed that public awareness must be matched by accessible, affordable and effective healthcare services. He called for stronger collaboration among families, schools, workplaces, traditional and religious institutions, the media, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to promote healthy diets, physical activity, good hygiene, mental wellbeing, vaccination and appropriate screening.
Development partners and civil society organisations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in advancing health promotion. The United Nations Population Fund (UNDP) representative, Olukunle Omotoso, emphasised the importance of community engagement, health literacy, gender equality and access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for women and young people.
Nigeria still faces a high burden of maternal and newborn deaths. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria recorded a maternal mortality ratio of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. In 2023, WHO estimated that Nigeria recorded 82,000 maternal deaths, 181,000 stillbirths and 277,000 neonatal deaths in 2020, accounting for 12 per cent of global maternal, stillbirth and neonatal deaths.
Key points
- Under-five mortality rate in Nigeria declined by 17% between 2018 and 2024.
- Neonatal mortality increased from 39 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births between 2018 and 2024.
- Nigeria recorded 82,000 maternal deaths, 181,000 stillbirths and 277,000 neonatal deaths in 2020.
