The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged renewed, coordinated efforts to fast-track improvements in child survival and well-being.
Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, ahead of the Association’s 57th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (PANConf Gateway 2026), the President of the association, Dr Ekanem Ekure, said preventable newborn and under-five deaths remain unacceptably high, with more than 800 Nigerian families losing a newborn every day.
The conference, scheduled for January 21–23, 2026, will bring together paediatricians, policymakers, development partners, technology innovators and civil society leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Dr Ekure noted that Nigerian children continue to die from malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles, diphtheria and malnutrition — conditions the world already knows how to prevent and treat, while millions of children remain zero-dose or under-immunised, placing them at lifelong risk.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by government and development partners, she said gaps in access to quality healthcare, clean water, sanitation, nutrition, education and child protection, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities, are slowing progress towards SDG-3.
According to her, the theme of PANConf Gateway 2026, “Achieving SDG-3 and Child Health Care through Innovative Funding Models and Technology-Driven Solutions,” reflects the need for practical and scalable responses.
She said technology and smarter financing must now be central to solutions, citing digital immunisation tracking, disease surveillance, telemedicine and data transparency, alongside public-private partnerships, blended finance and outcome-based funding to complement government investment.
“Technology is no longer a luxury; it is central to effective child healthcare delivery,” Dr Ekure said.
“Digital tools can strengthen immunisation tracking, disease surveillance, telemedicine, research, data transparency and accountability.
“Government spending on child health must increase, but it must be complemented by innovative financing models tied to measurable child health outcomes.”
The Paediatric Association of Nigeria, the country’s foremost professional body for child health specialists, is dedicated to improving the survival, growth and development of every Nigerian child.
Its key goals and objectives include:
• advancing high-quality paediatric practice, research and training;
• advocating strong child-centred health policies and increased investment in child health;
• promoting universal immunisation and equitable access to essential healthcare services;
• strengthening child protection, nutrition and early childhood development systems; and
• driving innovation and partnerships to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through its annual scientific conference, the association provides a global platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and collaborative solutions to Nigeria’s child health challenges.
Dr Ekure reaffirmed PAN’s commitment to working with government, development partners, the private sector and the media to ensure that every Nigerian child survives and thrives.
“The answers lie in stronger collaboration, smarter financing, effective implementation and accountability,” she said, urging all stakeholders to sustain momentum towards Nigeria’s child health goals.
She also challenged the media to remain active partners in public education, behaviour change and holding leaders to account.
