Infant Mortality Drops as Malnutrition Increases in Children

SenatorIroegbu

The recent data released by National BureauofStatistics(NBS),UNICEFand other key partners in the fifth Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS5), conducted in 2016 and 2017 have indicated a reduction in child mortality ratebutanincreasingchildmalnutrition across the country.

The statement yesterday by Communication Specialist, CommunicationandExternalRelations ofUNICEFNigeria,Mr.GeoffreyNjoku, noted that survey results showed that Nigeriamadesignificantimprovements in some areas while others remain unchangedorhaveworsenedsince2011 by not keeping pace with population growth when the last survey was conducted.

Forexample,accordingtotheresults, the infant mortality rate has dropped to 70 per 1,000 live births from 97 in 2011. Equally, deaths among children under age five have dropped to 120 per 1000 live births from 158 in 2011.

Njoku, however, stated that malnutrition among children under age five has worsened nationwide with the highest concerns in northern states. Child wasting (children who are too thin for their age) increased from 24.2 percent to 31.5 percent, while child stunting (children who are too short for their age) increased from 34.8 percent to 43.6 percent.

He said MICS5 is a recognised and definitive source of information for assessing the situation of children and women in the areas of Health; Nutrition;Water,SanitationandHygiene (WASH);Education,ProtectionandHIV andAIDS among others-in Nigeria as well as in other countries where it is carried out. The findings of the survey are used for planning, monitoring and decision making on programmes and policies to address issues related to the well-being of children and women in Nigeria.