The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reiterated its commitment to assist Nigeria in reducing the high burden of maternal and neonatal (newborn) deaths.
WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo stated this on Monday, while fielding questions from journalists during a health walk to mark the 2025 World Health Day in Abuja.
Mulombo explained that the World Health Day was commemorated every year to remember the day the WHO was formed, “this walk is raising awareness on the theme of this year which is ‘healthy beginnings and a brighter future’, to remind the world on the need to address the unacceptable high maternal and neonatal mortality.
“It is a celebration to remind the world why the World Health Organization was created; to promote health, save lives and to enable everyone live a healthy life through out a life course”, he said.
The WHO Country Representative further noted that, “Previous National Demographic Survey showed that the numbers in terms of Maternal and neonatal mortality ratio in Nigeria is quite high and this is why WHO is working round the clock with the government and partners to accelerate reduction”.
He praised the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) program launched by the Federal Government to accelerate reduction in mortality of mothers and New born, while pledging WHO’s support to ensure its success:
“We are all committed partners, the government, the CSOs and the community to work together to reduce those numbers as fast as we can”, he said.
At the MAMII facility in Gwarinpa General Hospital, WHO alongside other partners distributed free delivery kits, diapers, wipes, prenatal vitamins e.t.c to expectant mothers.
On his part, The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, represented by the National Coordinator Maternal Mortality of MAMII, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, said the initiative was a practical response to the President’s directive that “no woman should die as a result of childbirth.”
“It is a comprehensive programme aimed at ensuring that every pregnancy results in a healthy baby and a healthy mother. From providing mama kits and starter packs to revitalizing health facilities and offering transport vouchers, this initiative touches every part of the journey to motherhood”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, FCTA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, lamented Nigeria’s high burden of maternal and neonatal deaths, stressing the importance of maternal and child health to the country’s development.
“It is unfortunate that out of every 100,000 women who give birth globally, about 397 die, and 70 percent of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa with Nigeria sadly leading that statistic”, she said.
Fasawe however, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu was focused on reversing the trend. “Every pregnant woman in the FCT is entitled to free health insurance. And whether you give birth vaginally or via cesarean section, it is completely free”, she announced.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Favour thanked WHO, President Tinubu and everyone involved in the MAMII project for gifts, adding that it would go a long way in reducing costs incurred during delivery.
