Child survival, public policy and the realization of children’s rights in Nigeria

Bibliographic Data

ID6030304
AuthorsOlugbemiga Samuel Afolabi (0000-0002-7884-9974, University of Johannesburg, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages1-25
Publication date2025-04-04
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAfrican Identities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1472-5843 • E-ISSN: 1472-5851
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14725843.2025.2488378
OpenAlexW4409150157
LanguageEN
References cited21

Poverty, especially that which affects children, results in single and multiple deprivations within Nigeria and has remained an existential problem for child survival and development in the country. While most research has focused on the medical aspect of child survival, this study bridges the gap by examining the nexus between child survival and public policy in the country, with Bayelsa State as a case study. It will also shed light on the place of public policy in addressing the problems and their conformity with SDG goals. Using primary and secondary data sources, the paper argues that poverty, manifesting through multiple child deprivations and lack of adequate support by duty bearers, would continue to result in children’s struggles for survival and development. Findings from the study showed that the causative factors responsible for child poverty and issues related to survival are attributable to the vulnerability of rural communities, high levels of poverty, unemployment, inadequate and ineffective policies, harmful cultural beliefs, and insufficient resources. The paper suggests strategies for addressing these problems

Political science · Politics · Public discourse · Public policy · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Global Maternal and Child Health · Law · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Public Administration