NIGERIA ESSENTIAL MEDICINES LIST FOR CHILDREN 2020 1ST EDITION

An Act creates a dedicated list of essential medicines for children, specifying appropriate formulations and dosages. It targets paediatricians, pharmacists, and those procuring children's medicines. This promotes safe and effective treatment for children in Nigeria.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's first dedicated Essential Medicines List specifically for children (paediatric NEML), providing a separate reference for medicines, formulations, and dosages appropriate for children from birth to 12 years.

Who Does It Target?

Paediatricians and clinicians treating children Pharmacists dispensing medicines to children Paediatric hospital wards and children's health programmes Procurement officers for paediatric medicines

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Improve the quality and safety of medicines used in children by providing age-appropriate formulations, evidence-based dosing, and a prioritised list for procurement.

Key Features

Paediatric Focus: Only medicines with evidence of safety and efficacy in children are included. Age-Appropriate Formulations: Specifies liquid, chewable, dispersible, and other child-friendly formulations. Weight-Based Dosing: Provides dosing by weight for accurate paediatric medicine administration. First Edition: Nigeria's first dedicated paediatric NEML, filling a critical gap in child health prescribing.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — 1st edition in use at paediatric facilities Coverage: All health facilities treating children Beneficiaries: Nigerian children; paediatric healthcare quality Funding: Federal Ministry of Health; UNICEF

How to Access

Download from Federal Ministry of Health website All paediatric facilities must transition to using the paediatric NEML for children's prescribing Training on paediatric dosing is available through state health ministries Application method: Access at https://www.health.gov.ng

Important Terms

Many adult medicines are not safe or effective in children — the paediatric NEML is essential Off-label use in children must be clinically justified and documented Paediatric medicines are often in short supply — procurement must be prioritised

Official Resources

Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health — Pharmaceutical Services / Child Health Division

Legal Framework

The Nigeria Essential Medicines List for Children (1st Edition, 2020) is developed under the NAFDAC Act, the National Drug Policy, the Child Rights Act 2003, and the National Health Act 2014. It aligns with the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children, the Every Newborn Action Plan, the Integrated Maternal Newborn and Child Health Strategy, and UNICEF's supply division guidelines for paediatric medicines.