Pediatricians Association President Slams Inadequate Health Funding in 2026 Budget
The President of the Pediatricians Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ekanem Ekure, has strongly criticized the Federal Government's allocation of only 4.3 per cent to the health sector in the 2026 national budget. She emphasized that this figure reflects a significant lack of investment in the well-being of Nigerian children, calling it insufficient to address the pressing health challenges facing the nation's youth.
Urgent Call for Action on Child Health Crises
Speaking at the PAN's 57th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Abeokuta, Dr. Ekure highlighted several critical issues. She demanded immediate remediation and medical support for victims of the Ogijo lead poisoning crisis, which primarily affects children. "While we appreciate the shutdown of offending factories, comprehensive remediation, medical intervention, regulatory enforcement, and national action to protect vulnerable children and safeguard their futures remain our demand," she stated firmly.
Dr. Ekure pointed out alarming statistics that underscore the urgency of the situation. "Despite notable efforts, our country still grapples with high neonatal and under-five mortality rates of 41 and 110 per 1,000 live births, respectively, persistent malnutrition, suboptimal immunisation coverage, and inequitable access to quality child health services, among other challenges," she explained. She urged stronger regulatory actions to protect vulnerable children and addressed broader issues impacting child health, including:
- Child abuse and abductions
- The detrimental effects of poverty and conflict
- The growing impact of climate change on children's rights
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals and Funding Solutions
Referencing Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, Dr. Ekure noted a troubling disconnect. "Although Nigeria's national child health policies and strategies align with this goal, sadly, the country remains one of those considered off track in achieving it," she lamented. To bridge this gap, she proposed innovative funding models, such as:
- Public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources
- Outcome-based financing linked to verified results to ensure accountability
She also advocated for the integration of technology to enhance healthcare delivery. "Technology can play a crucial role in improving immunisation tracking, disease surveillance, and access to healthcare services," Dr. Ekure emphasized, suggesting digital tools as a means to overcome existing barriers.
Government Response and Future Commitments
In response, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Salako, represented by Deputy Director of Child Health, Dr. Omokore Oluseyi, highlighted the government's ongoing efforts. He announced the finalisation of the National Child Survival Action Plan, which focuses on key interventions like newborn resuscitation and community-based management of childhood illnesses. To support these initiatives, the ministry is digitalising the community management platform to enhance real-time diagnosis and data collection, aiming for more efficient healthcare delivery.
Dr. Ekure concluded with a direct plea to the Federal Government. "To the Federal Government, our plea remains this: let there be clear evidence of strong political will that treats child health as a national development priority, not merely a sectoral issue," she asserted. She reaffirmed PAN's commitment to forming partnerships that translate knowledge into actionable improvements in child health outcomes, stressing that collective effort is essential for meaningful progress.
