News Release

LDS Charities Helps Save 1.8 Million Children in Nigeria

The LDS Charities, an arm of the humanitarian program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, working in partnership with the Pediatrics Association of Nigeria (PAN), has helped save more than 1.8 million babies through the Neonatal Resuscitation project in Nigeria in the past 10 years.

 

"If we save the lives of children, we brighten the hope of a better society," said the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Honorable Yusuf Barnabas Bala, at this year’s Pediatrics Association of Nigeria Conference held in Kaduna, Nigeria.

The outgoing president of PAN, Dr. Elizabeth Disu, was full of praise for the support received from LDS Charities over the years—which has included actual training of doctors, anesthetic nurses and donations of neonatal training materials.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Church and to Dr. Isaac Ferguson, a LDS Charities program specialist.

Also speaking at the event, the incoming president of Pediatrics Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Ibeziako expressed delight in the kind gesture of the Church.

She said, "Mothers in Nigeria are proud of your organization’s support and the resultant effect on the lives of our babies." She called for support from the Church for the children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the northeast.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the Church, Mr. Chidi Ibeakuzie thanked PAN for the recognition of the efforts made by the Church helping to save children’s lives. He dedicated the award to all those who have contributed to the survival of Nigerian children.

Isaac Ferguson said, “The neonatal resuscitation partnership has been rewarding for Latter-day Saints and the Church. We are proud to have stood alongside Pediatrics Association of Nigeria in promoting the saving of thousands of newborns with respiratory difficulties. We admire the sacrifices of so many PAN members in reaching out to train others in these life-saving practices, and we wish them God’s speed in continuing their mission to bless the children of Nigeria.”

                                                                                                                                             

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.