Obasanjo Champions Child Health as National Advocate Amid Nigeria’s High Child Mortality Rates
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pledged to champion child health and well-being in Nigeria, accepting a role as a national advocate for the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) to address high neonatal and child mortality rates.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking from his residence at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, has committed to using his influence to promote child health and protection across the nation. While acknowledging that he is no longer fathering new children, the 88-year-old emphasized that the growth and well-being of future generations remain a lifelong responsibility for society.
Obasanjo made the remarks during a visit from the leadership of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), led by its President, Dr. Ekanem Ekure. During the meeting, he formally accepted PAN’s request to serve as a national advocate for child health and safety.
“Children are the foundation of any society. Protecting their health and ensuring their survival is a communal duty that cannot be ignored,” Obasanjo said, stressing the importance of safeguarding the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
Dr. Ekure highlighted the urgency of the partnership, noting that Nigeria loses over 800 newborns daily from preventable causes such as malaria, pneumonia, and malnutrition. She expressed hope that Obasanjo’s global profile would help mobilize resources, political commitment, and public awareness to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
Obasanjo lauded paediatricians for their dedication to a “profession of life and death,” pointing out the unique challenges of caring for children who cannot fully communicate their symptoms. He pledged ongoing support for PAN, urging healthcare professionals to continue going the “extra mile” to protect and nurture children across Nigeria.
“This is a cause that transcends politics or age,” Obasanjo said. “Every effort we make to safeguard children today strengthens the future of our nation tomorrow.”
