The Federal Government has begun distributing essential supplies to support mothers and babies. These supplies are called maternal, child health commodities. The goal is to reduce deaths of mothers and newborns across Nigeria.
The work is led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja with help from partners.
Maternal, Child Health Commodities Worth N2.9bn
The government has allocated N2.9 billion for maternal and child health items. These items are going to 10 states. They will help doctors, nurses, and midwives care for women during pregnancy and after birth.
The states in this first phase include Bauchi, Borno, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Why Maternal, Child Health Matters
Nigeria has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world. According to UNICEF, 576 mothers die in every 100,000 births. This is the fourth highest in the world.
Also, about 262,000 babies die at birth every year in Nigeria. Infant deaths are at 69 per 1,000 births, while deaths of children under five are at 128 per 1,000 births. Many of these deaths come from malaria, pneumonia, or diarrhoea.
This is why the government’s focus on maternal, child health is very important.
The Plan for Maternal, Child Health
The new supplies will go to 1,936 primary health care centres across 80 local governments. The plan is to reach areas with the greatest need first.
In the North-West, 940 health centres in 44 LGAs will benefit. In the North-East, 756 health centres in 29 LGAs will receive supplies. The North Central will get 124 health centres across five LGAs, while the South-East will get 116 centres in two LGAs.
The commodities include 21 important items for maternal, child health. Along with supplies, health workers will also get training, equipment, and support.
A Message of Hope
Dr. Muyi Aina, head of NPHCDA, said the goal is to save mothers and babies. He reminded everyone that many women die from preventable causes. Even one death, he said, is too many.
The World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund praised the move. They called the commodities “tools of hope” that will help frontline health workers.
Conclusion
The new maternal, child health supplies are a big step to save lives in Nigeria. They will help reduce deaths of mothers and babies and strengthen health care in local communities. For more on women’s health and support, visit genderpedia.ng/shop.
