With Nigeria experiencing a rise in the incidence of infants being abandoned in unsanitary and unsightly locations in public areas, experts are calling for immediate policy adjustments to address the concerning increase in cases of baby dumping, whether the infants are found deceased or alive.

Public health physicians argue that this troubling pattern represents a serious violation of children’s rights and demands prompt and resolute actions to combat it.

According to information gathered by Wakadaily, these physicians stress the necessity for systematic changes to tackle the underlying causes of baby abandonment.

In recent times, there has been a disturbing uptick in instances of babies being abandoned, whether deceased or alive.

On June 3, 2024, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Itam, initiated an urgent investigation into the discovery of a deceased newborn wrapped in old clothing, found in a sack near a refuse dump close to Aroma Junction along Ifite Road in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

Reportedly, the infant, who was only a day old, had been abandoned, causing tragic consequences, presumably by the mother who chose not to keep the baby.

Residents in the vicinity mentioned hearing the newborn crying throughout the night before the bag containing the infant was discovered the following morning.

Similarly, on February 26, 2024, a premature baby was found deceased in front of a female hostel at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, covered with cloth and left by an unidentified individual.

Moreover, on January 23, 2024, the Ogun State Police Command arrested a 30-year-old mother, Olubunmi Ajayi, for attempting to drown her five-month-old baby, Imole Anifowose, in the RSS river in Sagamu.

An individual named Olusola Sonaya was on-site during the incident and intervened to save the baby after being thrown into the water by the mother.

Responding to the concerning trend of baby dumping, experts stress that the health repercussions highlight the critical need to address not only the societal and ethical aspects but also the broader public health and environmental implications at stake.

They point out that the factors driving this trend are complex and encompass poverty, a lack of support structures, and the stigma associated with unplanned pregnancies.

Emphasizing the importance of preventive measures through comprehensive policy amendments, these physicians underscore the necessity of reinforcing social support networks for vulnerable families, enhancing access to reproductive health services, and providing education regarding safe alternatives for unwanted pregnancies.

Addressing the issue, Dr. James Johnson, a public health physician at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu, Ogun State, highlights the potential health risks associated with inadequate medical attention and sanitation for abandoned infants, whether alive or deceased.

He notes that infants left exposed to the elements are vulnerable to hypothermia, dehydration, and infections, amplifying the already dire circumstances.

Dr. Johnson emphasizes the interconnected nature of health, social, and environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address infant abandonment.

He advocates for addressing the root causes of infant abandonment and implementing measures to ensure proper disposal and care to mitigate health risks and protect the well-being of all parties involved.

The physician urges stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of infants and families while considering the broader health and environmental implications of baby dumping, particularly highlighting the risks associated with improper disposal of deceased infants, such as water contamination and disease transmission.

He further said, “The surge in cases of baby dumping, whether the infants are alive or deceased, is deeply concerning and demands our immediate attention. This trend not only represents a violation of children’s rights but also poses significant public health risks.

“Recent data has revealed a troubling increase in instances of baby dumping, with reports indicating a significant rise over the past year. Factors driving this trend are complex and multifaceted, including social stigma, poverty, and lack of access to reproductive health services.

“By prioritising the welfare of infants and families, we can work towards ensuring that no child is abandoned or left to suffer such a tragic fate.

“However, it is imperative that we also address the health implications of baby dumping, particularly in cases involving deceased infants.

“The abandonment of deceased infants in rivers not only endangers public health but also poses serious environmental concerns. The improper disposal of deceased infants can lead to contamination of water sources, posing a risk of waterborne diseases and environmental pollution.

“This not only endangers the health of communities living downstream but also threatens the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.”

The doctor advocated for policymakers to adopt a multi-faceted approach to address the issue, including increasing access to affordable healthcare for families, promoting education and awareness about child welfare, and enforcing harsher punishments for individuals who abandon babies in rivers.

He noted, “We need a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of infant abandonment. This includes bolstering social safety nets, enhancing access to mental health resources for struggling parents, and implementing stricter measures to deter such acts.”

Dr. Solomon Olorunfemi, a Senior Registrar in Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, advocated for the government to impose stricter penalties, including imprisonment, to deter women from abandoning their babies in rivers or public spaces.

While acknowledging the importance of immediate rescue efforts and support services, he emphasized the need for comprehensive policy reform and a multifaceted approach to address the underlying causes of baby dumping, in order to find a sustainable solution to the problem.

“I think the government should empower women and improve girl child education. They also need to provide job opportunities for women.

“If a young woman gets pregnant before completing her education, she should be given the opportunity and support to continue her education afterwards instead of forgoing the education and end up becoming a liability in the community,” he pointed out.

Dr. Olorunfemi highlighted that infant abandonment is often driven by underlying factors such as poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, and social isolation, emphasizing the need to address these underlying causes to effectively tackle the issue.