Media responsibility and maternal health: Confronting cultural misinformation on sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Nigeria

Emergent media play a pivotal role in safeguarding society by spotlighting issues that endanger collective well-being. Among such issues is infantile apnea, a condition exacerbated in Nigeria by culturally sanctioned myths and misinformation that perpetuate harmful childcare practices. The strength of a nation’s healthcare system is inseparable from its human development outcomes, making maternal and child health not only a medical concern but also a fundamental development priority. This study interrogates the intersection of health, healthcare access, and maternal practices in Nigeria, with particular attention to the role of media in shaping public understanding. Findings reveal that coverage of children’s health remains insufficient, leaving cultural misinformation unchallenged and allowing preventable infant deaths, including cases linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), to persist. To address this gap, the study applies the Health Belief Model, alongside speech act and functional media theories, as analytical frameworks, demonstrating how targeted media interventions can recalibrate beliefs, dismantle myths, and encourage safer childcare practices. By outlining actionable strategies for reaching both rural and under-informed urban populations, this research shows the urgent need for communication-led health interventions as a pathway toward reducing infant mortality and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.