Nigeria and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are advancing efforts to reduce newborn deaths through evidence-based management of possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI).

Emerging research suggests that many of such cases can be safely treated outside hospitals. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at a one-day national dissemination meeting.

The meeting was called to present findings from a multi-country study on the management of PSBI in infants. It examined whether outpatient treatment was a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care for low-risk cases where hospital referral is not feasible, building on evidence from the AFRINEST study and WHO guidelines. The meeting brought together stakeholders to review results, discuss policy and programme implications, and explore how the findings can improve infant survival and health system response in Nigeria.

Pate was represented by the Director, Family Health Department John Ovuroaye. He said Nigeria was committed to ensuring that every newborn has access to timely, life-saving care through the integration of PSBI management into national child health strategies.