Registration of children at birth is the first step in securing their recognition before the law in safeguarding their rights. This is also enshrined in the constitution of countries all over the world.
Baby Rita is three months old, has just taken Penta 3, PVC 3, IPV and OPV3, which are in the first stage in the series of immunization she has to take. Rita is able to take these because her birth is registered.
Moreover, by the time she completes the circle she is expected to be fortified against childhood killer diseases.
However, not all babies are as lucky as Rita who was born in the city. It is a different story in areas with difficulties, where absence of or inadequate awareness, health care facilities and birth registration personnel hampers smooth birth record.
In addition, new strategies such as the Rapid SMS Dashboards are introduced to raise Nigeria 30% birth registration coverage rate. UNICEF and The Federal Child Right Information Bureau are engaging the Media to increase advocacy for securing and safeguarding proper birth registration. Uche Ukochukwu NTA News.