The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reiterated the FCT Administration’s determination to enhance paediatric surgical care, pledging stronger collaboration with professional bodies to expand access and improve the quality of services for children.
Speaking at the opening of the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (Abuja Chapter), Dr. Mahmoud highlighted the vital role of paediatric surgeons in safeguarding children’s health, describing their work as a blend of compassion, precision, and resilience essential to national well-being.
SA Media to Minister, Austine Elemue in a statement quoted the minister while acknowledging challenges such as limited infrastructure and shortages of skilled personnel, to have emphasized the opportunities presented by technological innovations, targeted training, and government reforms.
She pledged to work hand-in-hand with associations to strengthen referral systems and ensure timely surgical interventions across urban and rural communities.
Dr. Mahmoud also commended the association’s commitment to research, training, and mentorship, urging participants to focus on practical solutions and actionable recommendations that can improve policy and clinical practice. She affirmed her office’s openness to ongoing dialogue to advance child health services in the FCT and beyond.
Professor Philip Mshelbwala, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, underscored the urgent shortage of paediatric surgeons in Nigeria, noting that the FCT and Nasarawa State—home to about 4.3 million people, half of whom are children—have only 15 paediatric surgeons, a figure far below World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
He assured that the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria remains committed to bridging this gap through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.