Topic: Reducing Infant Mortality
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Maya Baker
School: Grand Rapids City High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nigeria position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
The Federal Republic of Nigeria faces difficulties with infant mortality rates, as do many other nations worldwide. Nigeria's infant death rate is 10th highest in the world, at 72.7 deaths for every 1000 live births. The Nigerian delegation requests assistance from the United Nations to fix these problems, but believes that countries should be able to fix problems primarily independently, with some humanitarian aid.
The Main causes of infant death are preventable illness, malnutrition, and poor birthing practices. Malnutrition worsens preventable illnesses.
The delegation from Nigeria firmly believes that this terrible problem can be solved. Nigeria is already implementing strategies to lower infant mortality rates and there are even more things that can be done. The use of telemedicine can help spread expertise to remote areas in need of assistance. A higher production of well-trained midwives would greatly help the problem of mishandled births resulting in infant death. Currently, only 35% of deliveries are performed by skilled health professionals. Private and public sector coordination is important in the implementation of effective health services. Better work environments – especially in rural areas – will reduce attrition and low productivity and encourage Nigerian workers to go to rural locations to provide assistance. The Nigerian government provides assistance to local governments to help their specific needs depending on region. The final important issue in infant mortality is creating more equitable treatment in separate regions. Northern Nigeria receives lower levels of treatment than the South.
The delegation from Nigeria encourages the rest of the world to act fast. In order to fix this grave issue, action must be taken widely throughout the world. The lives of children and the future of the world is dependent on lessening the number of infant deaths that occur.
