Lagos – As concerns for African pediatric physical and mental health continue to rise, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights the meaningful and impactful nature of pediatrics careers.
From managing physical and emotional well-being to supporting families through vulnerable moments, pediatricians play a vital role in guiding the next generation of Africans toward a healthier future.
Findings from national health studies focusing on African children and youth indicate a consistent upward trend in overweight and obesity rates.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, obesity among children under five years of age in Africa was 4.9% in 2022.
This number is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.
The World Obesity Atlas estimates that the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in the region is predicted to rise rapidly from 5% to 14% by 2035.
According to a 2022 report by UNICEF, roughly one in seven children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience significant psychological hardship, and approximately 37 million adolescents on the continent are living with a diagnosable mental health condition; common issues include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and some personality disorders.
Dr. Ahmed Hussein, an SGU graduate from the Doctor of Medicine degree program in 2022, advises that regular pediatric checkups are the single most important preventive measure.
“Each age group has its own anticipatory guidance for a healthy life and specific screening tools for diseases,” Dr. Hussein said.
“These routine visits allow pediatricians to provide tailored advice on nutrition, development, and emotional well-being.”
Dr. Hussein added: “Pediatrics is a deeply rewarding field because it’s not just about treating young patients, it’s about supporting entire families through some of their most vulnerable moments.”
“You become a trusted guide, helping parents navigate uncertainty and empowering them to nurture their child’s health beyond the clinic.
“It’s a role that requires empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for making a long-term impact.”
Reflecting on his journey into pediatrics, Dr. Hussein describes it as a field full of daily joy and renewal.
“Each patient encounter is like meeting a new friend for playtime,” he shares.
“We laugh, play, and joke during our time together while tackling the main reason for their visit. It’s a constant regeneration of energy during the day.”
Addressing the post-pandemic surge in screen addiction, anxiety, and delayed social development in children, Dr. Hussein urges families to create emotionally connected environments.
“Routines that prioritise outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, and emotional openness,” he notes, are key to cultivating resilience in children navigating today’s fast-evolving world.
For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.
