Nigeria contributing to global maternal, newborn deaths — UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said Nigeria remains one of the countries contributing significantly to maternal and newborn deaths in West Africa and globally, stressing the need for sustained investment in quality healthcare services to reverse the trend.

The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Raffique, stated this during the flag-off of the distribution of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) equipment by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, with the support of Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

Speaking on behalf of donor agencies and international partners, Raffique commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Bauchi State Government in improving maternal and child healthcare.

“Today, we are witnessing a great collaboration between Federal Government and the State Government, which is really highly appreciated,” she said.

She also praised the Bauchi State Government for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of mothers and children.

ALSO READ: 2027: Kwankwaso counters Ali Modu Sheriff over northern votes for Obi

“I also congratulate the Bauchi State Government for always being progressive and advancing all the initiatives for the betterment of the mothers and children. Thank you very much to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for supporting this great initiative and a very great work for saving the lives of mothers and newborns in Nigeria,” she said.

Raffique noted that reducing maternal and newborn mortality requires quality healthcare services at all levels of the health system.

“So, it is very, very important to have interventions that can save mothers’ and newborns’ lives. Saving these lives is not possible without quality care and quality services at Primary and Secondary healthcare level and community level for the referral system,” she said.

She described the distribution of the medical equipment as a major milestone toward improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

“This equipment is a great milestone and I am sure with the distribution of this equipment, we would be able to make a dent in the mortality of mothers and newborns,” she added.

The UNICEF official disclosed that the organisation, with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), is providing logistics for the distribution of the equipment across all local government areas of Bauchi State.

“Here, I would like to share that UNICEF is also contributing through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in logistic support for the distribution of these equipment reaching every LGA of Bauchi State,” she said.

She added that UNICEF would also support the training of nearly 300 primary healthcare workers and more than 40 secondary healthcare providers in maternal and newborn care.

“Along with that, we are also supporting almost 300 Primary Healthcare workers and more than 40 Secondary level Health providers who will be trained in maternal, newborn, first and level second care,” Raffique said.

She expressed optimism that the interventions would help reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

“So, these are the great initiatives that we look forward to reducing maternal newborn mortality and improving the life of all mothers and children,” she said.

She concluded by emphasising that every mother and child deserves access to safe childbirth and quality healthcare.

“It’s the right of every mother and every child to enjoy the moment of birth and celebrate raising their children with health and well-being. Thank you very much,” Raffique said.