Ms. Cristian Munduate, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Nigeria, emphasizes the critical role of a robust primary healthcare system in ensuring healthy development and tackling childhood illnesses in Nigeria.
Speaking to Good Health Weekly, Munduate stressed the importance of addressing gaps in the current healthcare system to guarantee a healthy future for Nigerian children.
Importance of Primary Healthcare
Munduate highlights the necessity of accessible and well-equipped primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria to ensure children receive essential preventive healthcare, including immunizations and proper nutrition.
She emphasizes the need for community involvement, including religious and traditional leaders, to promote preventive healthcare practices.
Addressing Immunization Gaps
Immunization is crucial for child health, but vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge. Munduate emphasizes the importance of addressing misinformation and mistrust to improve immunization rates.
She recalls the recent diphtheria outbreak, underlining the urgency of addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring children receive proper vaccinations.
Breastfeeding for Child Health
Munduate advocates for breastfeeding as the best way to nourish children in their early years, stressing its role in providing essential nutrients and immunization. She encourages mothers to commit to breastfeeding for optimal child health.
HPV Vaccination and Rejection
Discussing HPV vaccination, Munduate dispels misconceptions and emphasizes its importance in preventing cervical cancer. She highlights the role of family upbringing in shaping values and promoting health interventions.
Data Challenges
Munduate points out the critical issue of outdated population data hindering healthcare planning in Nigeria. Accurate data is essential for effective resource allocation and planning.
Malaria and Sanitation
Malaria remains a major concern, exacerbated by poor sanitation. Munduate underscores the importance of sanitation in malaria prevention and highlights efforts by the Benue state government in malaria research.
Munduate emphasizes the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address child health challenges. She urges the media to raise public awareness and advocates for targeted interventions to improve immunization coverage and tackle preventable diseases.
Addressing challenges like vaccine hesitancy, poor sanitation, and data inadequacy requires collaborative action for the well-being of Nigerian children.
