Nigerian Catholic Priest Appeals for Intervention After Seven Children Die at IDP Camp in Abuja

Father Stephen Mesheda is calling for government intervention to provide healthcare services at the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons camp in Abuja, Nigeria. Speaking to ACI Africa on October 6, the priest reported that seven children died in July due to childbirth complications.

Father Mesheda, who provides pastoral care to the Christ the King Catholic Church community at the camp, said the facility lacks both a hospital and a primary healthcare center. He noted that residents must rely on private chemists for medical needs, leaving children and pregnant women vulnerable to preventable health risks. He stated that the government has the capacity to provide the necessary healthcare infrastructure for these displaced families.