Fewer Nigerian children are dying before five, but newborn deaths have edged up
Under-five deaths fell 17% between 2018 and 2024, a national survey shows. The minister says newborn care is the next priority.
Abuja — Nigeria's under-five mortality rate fell from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024, a drop of about 17%, according to the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
But deaths in the first 28 days of life rose slightly over the same period, from 39 to 41 per 1,000 live births.
The figures were cited on Thursday by the health minister, Muhammad Pate, through his permanent secretary, Daju Kachollom, at National Health Promotion Day in Abuja. He said they show the need to speed up preventive care, early diagnosis and timely access to good medical services.
What the ministry is doing
Pate pointed to the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which prioritises mother and child health, primary care, immunisation, and fighting non-communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. Current prevention drives include:
- hypertension detection;
- hepatitis elimination, including Project 365;
- cervical cancer prevention and screening;
- nutrition and immunisation.
He said success should be measured in screenings done, referrals completed and illnesses prevented, and that awareness campaigns only work if people can actually get affordable care.
Source: Premium Times, 30 October 2026.
