The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has vowed that the FCT Administration will step up collaboration with professional health bodies to expand access to child healthcare, particularly in the area of paediatric surgery.
Mahmoud made the pledge in Abuja on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (Abuja Chapter).
She described paediatric surgery as a “critical lifeline” for children, stressing that the speciality requires precision, compassion, and resilience to safeguard the nation’s future.
While admitting that Nigeria’s health sector remains plagued by poor infrastructure and an acute shortage of skilled manpower, the Minister noted that technological innovation, improved training, and ongoing government reforms provide opportunities for improvement.
Mahmoud said the FCT Administration was prepared to work closely with surgeons, researchers, and other health professionals to strengthen referral systems and ensure children across both urban and rural communities receive timely surgical interventions.
She also commended the association for its commitment to training, research, and mentorship but urged members to “go beyond rhetoric” by proposing practical, actionable solutions that would directly influence health policies and clinical practices.
Earlier in his remarks, Prof. Philip Mshelbwala, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, painted a grim picture of the state of child healthcare in Nigeria.
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According to him, the shortage of paediatric surgeons across the country has reached an alarming level. He cited the example of the FCT and neighbouring Nasarawa State, where just 15 paediatric surgeons are expected to serve a combined population of 4.3 million people, half of whom are children.
“This falls well below World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations,” Mshelbwala warned, calling for urgent interventions.
He, however, assured that the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria remains committed to bridging the gap through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving.
