UniCal Sounds Alarm on Child Deaths, Launches Bold CHAMPS Drive to Save Children in Host Communities
The unveiling of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) initiative by the University of Calabar marks a significant step towards advancing the child’s right to survival in host communities.
At its core, the initiative reflects a growing recognition that access to quality healthcare is not just a service, but a fundamental right essential to every child’s existence and development.
By aligning with CHAMPS, an international programme focused on understanding and preventing child deaths, the university is positioning itself as a key actor in addressing one of the most pressing child rights challenges in Nigeria.
Child mortality, often driven by preventable causes such as infections, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare, continues to threaten the survival of children, particularly in underserved communities. This initiative seeks to confront those realities through data-driven interventions and community-based engagement.
The vice-chancellor’s commitment to expanding the university’s medical centre further strengthens this effort, as improved healthcare infrastructure directly impacts children’s chances of survival. Access to timely and effective medical care can mean the difference between life and death, especially for infants and young children who are most vulnerable.
Equally important is the emphasis on collaboration with local leadership, including the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South. This approach acknowledges that protecting a child’s right to survival requires community trust, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive participation. By integrating host communities into its programmes, the university is helping to ensure that no child is left behind.
Overall, the initiative represents a practical and rights-based response to child mortality, reinforcing the principle that every child deserves a fair chance to live and thrive.
