FG targets reduction in child, maternal mortality rate

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the high maternal, and child mortality rate and vowed to reduce the problem through innovations and result-oriented actions in the country.

Nigeria had the second-highest number of maternal deaths globally last year, which shows the disparity between health outcomes and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas, who stated this at the 2024 Maternal Health Policy Dialogue themed: ‘Scaling Maternal Health Innovations in Nigeria’, organised by Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja, noted that child and maternal mortality remain an issue of serious concern in Nigeria, adding that with the present administration’s acceleration effort, genuine commitment and transparency, the situation would be reversed.

She stressed the need to act aggressively and deploy innovations in digital health, telehealth and evidence-backed approaches to tackle the high burden of child and maternal mortality, adding that the government is committed to ensuring equity in services, financial protection, and safety net for women and vulnerable children in the country.

Ibrahim said investments had been made in the health sector but lamented that one of the key challenges is the
lack of continuity in some of the programmes. She observed that the primary healthcare centres are the closest to most Nigerians, hence, the need to ensure quality healthcare services and an optimum number of human resources for health to deliver effective and efficient services to Nigerians.

The presidential aide stressed the need to build on existing programmes to ensure improvement in the health of
women and children. Anas said that this strategic approach underscored the integral role of healthcare in advancing societal progress and ensuring holistic development.

“President Bola Tinubu is committed to driving community-centric health solutions as a cornerstone of national
development,” she said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, noted that maternal health is a fundamental aspect of public health reflecting the wellbeing of current and future generations.