As part of efforts to curb maternal and newborn deaths, the Federal Government has commenced nationwide distribution of essential maternal and child health commodities valued at N2.9 billion.

Speaking at the flag-off in Abuja, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, described the initiative as a critical step toward reducing stock-outs, bridging service delivery gaps, and equipping frontline health workers with the tools needed to save lives.

He said the first phase targets 21 categories of maternal and neonatal health (MNH) commodities across 10 states: Bauchi, Borno, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Yobe, and Zamfara, covering 1,936 primary healthcare facilities in 80 local government areas (LGAs).

According to Aina, the commodities will be delivered alongside training for health workers, equipment supply, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure quality care for mothers and newborns. He explained that distribution is being carried out by zones to ensure equitable access and prioritisation of high-need areas: North West Zone: 940 PHCs in 44 LGAs; North East Zone: 756 PHCs in 29 LGAs; North Central Zone: 124 PHCs in five LGAs and South East Zone: 116 PHCs in two LGAs.

“We need to remind ourselves that our mothers and newborns deserve better. Too many women die needlessly from preventable causes,” Aina said, adding that while the Federal Government is providing leadership, states and local governments must drive sustainability.

“This intervention is to fill some gaps and show the kind of difference government action can make, so that states will take it on.” He lamented that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains “unacceptably high and often underreported,” with more than 500 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The World Health Organisation’s representative, Mary Brantwo, described the commodities as “tools of hope, dignity, and survival,” stressing that the intervention reflects a shared commitment to safeguard mothers and newborns.

Also speaking, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, Achu Lordfred, said the initiative aligns with UNFPA’s mission of preventing maternal deaths, promoting family planning, and ending gender-based violence.

He highlighted the introduction of life-saving interventions such as heat-stable carbetocin, which reduces maternal deaths, and expressed optimism that the commodities would “accelerate progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths in frontline facilities.”