Child Abuse: Paediatrics Association of Nigeria condemns increase, despite Law

The Paediatrics Association of Nigeria (PAN), has condemned the high rate of child Abuse menace in the country despite the existing Child Rights Act which was passed into Law in 2003.

The President of PAN, Dr. Edward Alikor stated this and noted that it is estimated that six out of ten children across the country have suffered one form of abuse or the other.

Alikor spoke Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital while briefing newsmen on the activities slated in the state from January 18th to 22nd, 2022 with the theme, ‘Child Abuse: An escalating menace in Nigeria’.

He explained that their findings of escalation of the menace followed a number of research work carried out to measure the prevalence of child abuse in states across the nation. In his words, he stated “Nigeria is notorious in Child Abuse. It is estimated that six (6) out of every ten (10) Children in this country have suffered one form of abuse or the other. For boys 10percent and for girls 35per cent.”

Speaking on the Child Rights Act of 2003, Dr. Edward said the states are supposed to domesticate the Law. “It is unfortunate that as large as we are, about eleven (11) out of 36 states of the country have not domesticated the Law. I am not even talking about seeing that it is properly executed” he said.

Alikor appealed to the media to assist the association in sensitization of the public on the issue especially on the need for all the states to domesticate the Rights Law and also ensure it is properly executed.

He said the association on its part uses different methodology such as training of healthcare workers, awareness of the public to achieve its fundamental objective of advocating for children in the country, adding that they also use PAN Journal to educate themselves and have discussions and disseminate scientific information.