The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards improving maternal healthcare in the country with the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North Central Zone.
This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare,
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako emphasized the importance of midwives in reversing poor maternal and child health indices.
He noted that the country accounts for about 20% of global maternal deaths, with approximately 1047 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
The minister praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment to improving maternal healthcare through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
He expressed gratitude for the initiative’s focus on the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health.
The distributed kits are expected to strengthen the capacity of midwives and advance the goals of sustainable development.
The initiative aligns with the ministry’s key deliverables, including reducing maternal mortality rate by 20% and under-5 mortality by 15% by 2027.
Salako charged the beneficiaries to use the kits responsibly and in line with their commitment to the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
He pledged the ministry’s continuous support for midwives and expressed appreciation for the partnerships that made the initiative possible.
“The event was a significant step forward in the FG’s efforts to improve maternal healthcare and achieve universal health coverage by 2030.
“The ministry is committed to providing quality healthcare services to all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.
“The distribution of the professional kits is also expected to enhance the skills and knowledge of midwives, enabling them to provide better care to patients.
“The kits contain essential equipment and supplies, including stethoscopes, blood pressure machines, and delivery kits.
“The FG has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the health sector, and this initiative is a testament to that commitment.
“As the FG continues to work towards achieving universal health coverage, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services.
“The ministry will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative and to improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians,” he said.
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