Vulnerability of children to ill-health can be markedly reduced by taking steps to respect, protect and fulfill child rights. This is indeed one of t… - Adenike Grange

In many instances, these child brides are not physically, mentally and emotionally mature for childbearing and child nurturing, hence several of those who had consummation of their marriages as children die or become disabled during child birth. The commonest of such disabilities is vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) which means that the abnormal passage which has been created between the bladder and the vagina leads to uncontrollable leakage of urine from the victim.

It is important to note that fever, cough and diarrhoea are the three commonest symptoms of illnesses in young children under two years of age. These children, because of their immaturity and low immunity are prone to infections of all types including bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections. About eighty percent of children seen in the children’s emergency ward are suffering from infections of various types and their complications.

Many of the children of these ‘child mothers’ also succumb to malnutrition and preventable childhood diseases. These conditions in many cases lead to physical or mental retardation. Exposure to HIV/AIDS may further complicate the situation. Many societies have their own practices that have enjoyed wide social acceptance for many generations.