The Federal Government has commenced distribution of maternal and neonatal health commodities valued at about 2.9 billion naira to states across the federation.
Speaking at the Innuagration ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of safeguarding the lives of women and children.
According to him, the items, to be distributed free across the country have been allocated with 60 percent going to the Northwest and 34 percent to the Northeast, based on identified needs.
Dr. Aina noted that the renewed effort is aimed at reducing mortality among mothers and newborns.
“This intervention by the Federal Government is designed to fill critical gaps and demonstrate how effective solutions can be, with the hope that states will build on it. While our mandate covers the entire country, we are beginning with ten states, targeting eighty local government areas with the highest burden of preventable maternal deaths”.
The Executive Director NPHCDA, added that the initiative goes beyond commodities to include training of health workers, provision of equipment, revitalization of health facilities, and quality improvement interventions.
Dr. Muyi Aina stressed the need for strong collaboration with state governments to ensure sustainability, urging governors to commit resources and integrate maternal and neonatal health programmes into their annual operational plans.
Also, The National Coordinator of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, who reiterated the organisation commitment to support Nigeria government in ensuring health care service delivery in the country pointed out that maternal health data will now be tracked annually to measure progress and refine strategies.
Representative of the World health Organization (WHO) Dr. Mary Branton including key development agencies, as well as the Gates Foundation, UNICEF, commended the federal government’s commitment and pledged continued support toward maternal health in Nigeria.
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