Jigawa targets zero maternal mortality, supports pregnant mothers with maternity kits

The Jigawa State Government, on Monday, launched the distribution of maternity kits to pregnant women in a bid to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates across the state.

The initiative comes as the world grapples with the scourge of maternal mortality, with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) sounding the alarm, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria as Jigawa State is taking bold steps to address the scourge.

Speaking during the distribution of the maternity kits held on Monday at Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area, Hadiza Umar Namadi, the First Lady of Jigawa State, stated that Governor Umar Namadi approved the distribution of the maternity kits to provide essential healthcare services to pregnant women.

“The kits will help pregnant women protect themselves from infections during childbirth and postpartum care. “The kits also will go a long way in ensuring the health and well-being of our mothers”, she said.

Accordingly, the Jigawa First Lady emphasised the importance of healthcare, noting that, “Every mother matters, and we must do everything to ensure their safety”.

Namadi commended Tasiu Adamu, the chairman of Sule Tankarkar Local Government of the State for building a Basic Health Clinic in the area and naming it after the governor.

“We’re committed to ensuring zero maternal mortality, and this initiative is a step in the right direction,” she said.

She also called on healthcare providers to ensure they provide quality care to pregnant women and reiterated that, “the state government is committed to ensuring zero maternal mortality across the Jigawa’s 27 LGAs”.

In his address, Ahmed Muhammad Sani, the Emir of Gumel who was represented by Muhammad Sani Ibrahim, the District Head of Jeke, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the kits, saying, “this is a noble initiative, and we appreciate the state government for thinking of us”.

He therefore praised the administration of the Umar Namadi led government for the initiative, saying that “this initiative is aimed at safeguarding the health of our women and children.

“Pregnant women should ensure they attend antenatal clinics and follow medical advice to ensure safe delivery. This will go a long way in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in our state”, he added.

On his part, Tasiu Adamu, the Chairman of Sule Tankarkar Local Government, said about 200 pregnant women would benefit from the kits, selected from 11 wards.

“We have spent over 100 million naira on healthcare initiatives last year, including sending students to study healthcare in various institutions,” he said.

Adamu also inaugurated a Tsangaya School and named it the First Lady, Hadiza Umar Namadi during the ceremony.

Some beneficiaries shared varied experiences and expressions of gratitude, saying the kits would help alleviate the financial burden of prenatal care, while others praised the state government for its commitment to improving maternal healthcare.

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