Experts in paediatrics have raised concern over the high rate of infectious diseases among children and the difficulties in managing them.

 

The Nigerian Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, (NISPID) as its second-ever scientific conference in Abuja, said, infectious diseases among children continue to be “very important causes of childhood morbidity and mortality.”

 

“It is pertinent that we continue to develop ways of overcoming the challenges faced in the management of these diseases,” said NISPID president Dr Kikelomo Osinusi.

 

Consultant paediatrician at University of Abuja Teaching Hosptial, Dr Adaora Okechukwu, , said NISPID, with affiliation to  global groups on paediatric infectious disease was informed and able to play a very good advocate to bring the diseases burden downward.

 

 

NISPID in particular raised concern about vaccine-preventable diseases that need new vaccines introduced into child healthcare, control of childhood tuberculosis, use of antimicrobials in child healthcare, nosocomial (or hospital-acquired) infections and expanding access to HIV/AIDS treatment to cover children and adolescents.

 

Up to 10% of Nigeria’s children contribute to the global burden of HIV/AIDS, but only one out of every five children infected with the virus are on treatment, according to NISPID paediatricians.

 

The society advocates a decentralised access to HIV therapy and engagement of private sector, as well as integration of paediatric HIV and maternal and child health services amidst altered government policies.

 

By Judd-Leonard Okafor

Daily Trust