By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE FEDERAL Government has reaffirmed its commitment to cutting maternal deaths by 20 percent and reducing under-five mortality by 15 percent before the end of 2027, as part of a broader push to address one of the world’s highest maternal and child mortality burdens.
This renewed effort was reiterated in Enugu State, where the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, joined the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, during the handover of 10,000 professional kits to midwives working across the country.
The distribution forms part of a national strategy to empower frontline health workers and improve conditions in maternity care.
Salako said the initiative was designed “to create a large pool of motivated and empowered professionals” capable of delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s health agenda, which includes sharply lowering death rates among pregnant women and young children.
Appreciating the critical contributions of midwives in safeguarding maternal and infant health, the minister saluted their frontline service.
He stressed the government’s ongoing support through welfare provisions, equipment, and professional enablement to ensure optimal care delivery.
He described the kits as “a commitment to life and the dignity of our women and children,” urging recipients to uphold the highest standards in deploying them for the intended lifesaving purposes.
Official data continue to reflect the scale of the crisis. A 2024 World Bank report noted that Nigeria accounts for 20 percent of the global maternal mortality burden.
UNICEF also reported that despite making up just 2.4 percent of the world’s population, Nigeria contributes 10 percent of global maternal deaths.
The country’s maternal mortality rate stands at 576 per 100,000 live births—the fourth highest worldwide, while the annual infant deaths at birth are estimated at 262,000, with infant mortality at 69 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality climbing to 128 per 1,000, notes UNICEF.
With the distribution of these kits and renewed federal commitment, Nigeria’s authorities said they hope to scale back these troubling figures and enhance maternal and child health outcomes across all regions.
