The Federal Government has expressed concern over the rising rate of neonatal mortality in Nigeria, despite a decline in deaths among children under the age of five.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 National Health Promotion Day, citing findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
According to the survey, under-five mortality declined from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024, representing a reduction of approximately 17 per cent. However, neonatal mortality, which refers to deaths within the first 28 days of life, increased from 39 to 41 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period.
Pate, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the figures underscore the need to strengthen preventive healthcare, improve early diagnosis and ensure timely access to quality medical services for mothers and newborns.
The event, which marked the third edition of the National Health Promotion Day, was held under the theme, “Health Promotion: Owning My Health,” with the slogan, “Take Charge, Live Well.”
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which focuses on improving maternal and child health, strengthening primary healthcare delivery, expanding immunisation and addressing non-communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
He described health promotion as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that improving health outcomes requires more than the provision of hospital facilities.
According to him, preventive healthcare, informed personal choices, healthier living environments and systems that promote citizens’ wellbeing are essential to achieving better health outcomes nationwide.
