The National Agency for Primary Health (NPHCDA) has marked the distribution of maternal and neonatal health products (MNH) worth N2.9 billion to 10 states in Nigeria.
The initiative aims to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by providing essential health products to priority areas, in which 60% of the products will be distributed to the northwest part of Nigeria.
The executive director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, while talking on the flag on Monday in Abuja, explained that the distribution is part of the government’s efforts to improve the health of mothers and newborns.
“This is the update of the president’s agenda to save the life of our mothers and our newborns to reduce mortality in that population,” he said.
“The products will be distributed in four zones, with the northwest area receiving 60% of the basic products and the northeast zone receiving 34%.
Aina revealed that the initiative is a collaboration between the government and the partners, and that the federal government is providing support to the states to improve maternal and neonatal health.
According to him, the NPHCDA has identified 10 states and 80 local governments as priority areas for distribution, since it also revealed that the agency is working with the states to guarantee the sustainability of the program, and that the states are expected to commit resources to support the initiative.
AINA also pointed out the importance of tracking progress and measuring the results to ensure that the initiative is effective in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. “We will measure how we are, and if our strategy is working, we will double,” he said.
The executive director thanked the partners for their support and emphasized that the initiative requires collaboration to achieve its objectives.
He also noted that 21 states are currently implementing the Maternal and Children’s Health Program (MCH), and that the agency is working to expand the program to other areas.
Also speaking, Dr. Mary Brantwo, who representative, said that the products that are delivered are not only supplies, but “tools of hope, dignity and survival” that represent a shared commitment to safeguard the lives of mothers and newborns in Nigeria.
He praised NPHCDA for his leadership in strengthening primary health care and ensuring that basic products reach the communities where they need more. “This delivery is a testimony of the power of the association, and of progress that is possible when we align our efforts with national priorities and global standards,” he said.
Brantwo reiterated WHO’s commitment to support Nigeria to achieve his maternal and newborn health objectives under the Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA).
“Together, let’s continue working towards a future where each pregnancy is safe, each birth is celebrated and each newborn has the opportunity to prosper,” he added.
The representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Achu Lordfred said that the distribution of maternal and newborn health products is aligned with the work areas of UNFPA, including the prevention of maternal deaths, promoting family planning and ending gender violence.
“The UNFPA works with the Nigeria government to guarantee the safety of basic reproductive health products, including maternal and newborn health products,” he said.
He also mentioned the recent activities of UNFPA in supporting maternal interventions of saving lives, such as heat -stable carbetocin, which have shown promising results in reducing maternal deaths.
“It is our fervent desire that this distribution of basic products further accelerates progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths in our first -line health facilities.” Said.
The Superior Officer, the Primary Health Care, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Khalilu Muhammed, he said, the support of the Foundation to the Government’s efforts to end the prevenible maternal deaths aligned with their three great aspirations for the next 20 years, which include the propagation of innovations, final diseases and the extraction of the population.
Muhammed praised the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Coordinator, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate and the executive director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, for his leadership in promoting the agenda to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
“Today’s event is a testimony of the fact that this government and other reformers are pressing for this.
He pointed out the importance of the private sector to complement government efforts to improve the results of medical care. “We meet here in a private sector center because we know that the private sector is essential to ensure that we provide quality medical attention,” he added.
Muhammed reiterated the Gates Foundation’s commitment to support government efforts to improve maternal and newborn health results.
“Our goal, ultimately, is to create a world in which everyone has the opportunity to survive and prosper,” he said, congratulating the Government and Nphcda for their efforts.
Also read the main stories of Nigerian Tribune
Watch the best Nigerian Tribune TV videos