Midwives save lives. They help mothers have safe births and provide babies with the best possible start. But things are tough for Nigerian midwives. They’re usually compelled to work hard under challenging conditions with inadequate resources. That’s all about to change with Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, taking on the challenge in her stride.
Midwives Get Support With Professional Kits
During the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), First Lady Oluremi Tinubu announced a major boost for midwives. She revealed that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has procured 60,000 professional kits, including scrubs and crocs, for midwives across Nigeria. This initiative supports the Federal Government’s retraining of 120,000 health workers.
The donation, made by an anonymous donor, aims to reduce infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the First Lady emphasized that midwives are at the heart of maternal and child health. She explained that the kits serve as an incentive to encourage and support their tireless dedication.
First Lady’s Commitment to Women’s Health
The First Lady has been a strong advocate for women’s health and empowerment. Since assuming office in August 2023, she has worked on multiple initiatives to uplift women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Through RHI, she is ensuring that midwives get the resources they need to provide better healthcare services.
On January 29, 2025, she distributed 10,000 professional kits in the North Central zone, starting in Kwara State. Over the coming months, more kits will reach midwives in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Tackling Maternal and Infant Mortality
Nigeria has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. Every year, thousands of women and babies die from preventable causes. Many of these deaths happen because there are not enough trained midwives or proper healthcare resources.
With the First Lady’s support, midwives can work with better tools. This means:
- More safe deliveries for pregnant women.
- Reduced complications during childbirth.
- Increased survival rates for newborns.
More Health Initiatives for Women
Aside from midwife support, the First Lady is championing other health initiatives. She launched the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign on January 30, 2025. This campaign aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis among women of reproductive age. It focuses on preventing mother-to-child transmission and improving sexual and reproductive health.
She also plans to work with the Federal Ministry of Environment to educate young people about climate change through school clubs.
Women’s Leadership and Rights
The theme for this year’s OAFLAD General Assembly was ‘Building on Beijing: First Ladies Championing Women’s Leadership and Rights through African Heritage’. The First Lady highlighted the progress Nigerian women have made in education, business, science, and politics. However, she also stressed the need to address issues like:
- Gender-based violence
- Female genital mutilation
- Child marriage
- Girl child education
She reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy, partnerships, and resource mobilization to close the gender gap and boost women’s and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Strengthening Partnerships for a Better Future
The First Lady emphasized that the true wealth of Africa is its people, especially women and the youth. She challenged African leaders to invest in the health and education of women. The OAFLAD 2025-2030 Strategic Framework will focus on the improvement of the lives of women and children.
Take Action!
Midwives are essential in building a healthier Nigeria. To learn more about policies supporting midwives and women’s health, visit Genderpedia.ng/shop for relevant documents and research materials.
References
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