Neonatal Tetanus in Nigeria: One Social Scourge too many!

Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates in Nigeria and every case is an embarrassment to the health services provided in the country. Nigeria is one of 27 countries that account for 90 percent of the global burden of NNT. Major contributors to the persistently high incidence of NNT in the country include declining tetanus toxoid vaccine coverage rate among pregnant women and delivery by untrained personnel. We believe that the major thrust in preventing NNT should be the improvement in the coverage rate of the five-dose schedule. This could be achieved by incorporating this schedule into the School Health Programme. Its overall elimination in the country requires the concerted efforts of several stakeholders – adolescents and women of childbearing age, including pregnant women, health care providers at all levels, educational and other sectors. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics Vol.31(1) 2004: 1-