Expert Traces Children’s Deaths, Illnesses To Respiratory Infections, Malaria

A Consultant Paediatrician, Prof. Edamisan Temiye, has said that respiratory infections and malaria constitute major causes of illness and deaths among Nigerian children during rainy seasons.
Temiye, who revealed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja last week said however, said that as for statistics of cold-related diseases in children in Nigeria, the correct figure was not known.
He said in Nigeria, change in season brings about some disease conditions and one frequently occurring disease at the beginning of the rainy season is malaria.
“This is because the breeding of mosquitoes that transmit the disease increases also.
“Also, because of the cold environment, there is a tendency to close the windows and put off fans, thus preventing free circulation of air.
“This will aid the spread of droplet infections transmitted through air, including pneumonia and various respiratory infections.’’
The professor urged parents to encourage and ensure their children slept under treated nets to prevent malaria infection during the season.
He said that the environment should be kept clean and all broken or disused containers that could store water in which mosquitoes could breed should be discarded.
“The drains should also be cleared so that free flow of storm waters is encouraged.
“A child or pregnant woman who has fever suspected to be malaria should approach the health facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.
“Despite the cold weather, free flow of fresh air through homes should still be encouraged.
“It is also imperative that those who have respiratory infections should cover their nostrils and mouth while coughing or sneezing.
“In addition, spiting into the environment is a dangerous practice that spreads such infections.’’
Temiye added that the rate of childhood immunisation in Nigeria was unfortunately and abysmally low stating that overall, less than 40 per cent of Nigerian children were fully immunised, according to Nigeria’s immunisation schedule.
“To be effective, more than 90 per cent of all children should be immunised for community protection.
“Because many children in Nigeria are still not effectively immunised, the rate of most of these diseases is still high.
“Children are also dying from diseases that are not prevented through immunisation; including malnutrition and many causes of diarrhoea other than rotavirus.
“Therefore, many children are still dying from preventable diseases.’’
The medical practitioner said that improvement in immunisation coverage would save many children from death and diseases.
According to him, improved hygiene and supply of potable water to citizens will be of great help in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
“Also, improvement in exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continuing breastfeeding for up to two years will protect children from many diseases.
“Proper weaning after six months of age and food security will further improve the chance of survival in our children.’’
The paediatrician also identified ignorance of the importance of immunisation by parents as major issue and challenge in the coverage of immunisation in the country.