Nigeria records 280,000 newborn deaths annually, says health expert

The Executive Director of the Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation, Dr Olufunke Bolaji, has stated that Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest newborn mortality burdens globally, with approximately 280,000 babies dying every year before they have the chance to live, grow, and reach their potential.

Dr Bolaji spoke on Friday in Ado Ekiti during the inauguration of the Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation at the University Teaching Hospital by Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

She noted that many of these deaths are preventable through improved healthcare interventions and stronger health systems.

“Annually in Nigeria, 280,000 babies die before they have had a real chance to live, grow and fulfil their potentials. What makes this burden even more painful is that many newborn deaths are preventable.

“With skilled birth attendants, timely resuscitation, quality essential newborn care, improved management of small and sick newborns, better referral systems, and stronger frontline capacity, many babies who are lost today can survive.

“CeNHRI was established to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, between research and policy, and between clinical knowledge and life-saving action,” she said.

She added that every health system deserves quality evidence to improve, every health worker deserves innovative tools and skills to act effectively, and every newborn deserves a chance to survive.

The centre, described as the first in the country focusing solely on newborn health, has the mandate to generate evidence, build clinical capacity, drive innovation, and translate research into policy and practice for newborns.

Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, described the facility as a major milestone in his administration’s effort to improve maternal and newborn healthcare delivery in the state and across the country. He said thousands of African newborns die yearly from preventable causes, particularly within the first few days of life, and that the centre represents a collective response to the challenge through science, innovation, and collaboration.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, represented by Dr Samuel Oyeniyi, described the facility as a bold step towards strengthening healthcare delivery and improving outcomes for mothers and newborns in Nigeria.

A representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Mary Brantuo, said the establishment of the centre sends a clear message that Ekiti State is committed to advancing newborn health through evidence, innovation, and quality care.