United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other stakeholders have acknowledged the impact of the Mama2Mama initiative, championed by women in Taraba State.
Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, emphasised women’s pivotal role as health advocates and educators. UNICEF, through him, reaffirms its commitment to providing technical support to amplify the initiative’s reach and impact across the country.
Launched in 2021, Mama2Mama has become a driving force behind positive maternal, and child healthcare outcomes in the state. The grassroots movement not only mobilises volunteer women across the state to promote health-seeking behaviors, but also strengthens linkages between communities and health facilities.
Despite challenges, including low skilled delivery rates and high under-five mortality, Mama2Mama volunteers have reportedly been bridging gaps in healthcare access, particularly in remote rural areas where maternal and child deaths are prevalent.
Dorcas Amos, a leader of the Mama2Mama initiative, emphasised the importance of their work in reducing preventable deaths. She highlighted their efforts in enlightening women about the significance of giving birth in health facilities, ultimately saving lives.
Secretary of the Mama2Mama group in Karim-Lamido Local Council, Ramatu Alhassan, calls on the government to support and encourage more women to join the initiative. With increased resources, Mama2Mama, as made known by her, can expand its reach and impact in rural communities.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) focal person in Taraba, Jerusha Emmanuel, credits Mama2Mama for the success of recent vaccination campaigns.
