Federal Government, Kaduna State Launch Joint Initiative to Curb Maternal and Infant Mortality in High-Risk LGAs
In a decisive move to combat the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality, the Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with the Kaduna State Government to implement targeted interventions across high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs). The initiative, which aligns with the national health development agenda, aims to reduce preventable deaths of mothers and children through improved healthcare services, strategic outreach, and enhanced community engagement.
According to health authorities, several LGAs in Kaduna have consistently recorded higher-than-average rates of maternal and child mortality due to limited access to quality healthcare, poor infrastructure, and socio-economic barriers. These challenges, if left unaddressed, pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 — ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
At the core of this initiative is a collaborative framework that brings together federal health agencies, Kaduna State Ministry of Health, local governments, and community stakeholders. The approach includes the deployment of skilled healthcare workers, provision of essential medical equipment, mobile health clinics, and community-based sensitization campaigns focused on antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and neonatal services.
Speaking on the program, a senior official from the Federal Ministry of Health stated that this partnership is a model for other states facing similar health challenges. “By focusing on the most vulnerable LGAs, we are not only saving lives but also creating a replicable system that can be adopted across the country,” the official said.
The Kaduna State Government also emphasized its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the intervention. According to the Commissioner for Health, the state is investing in training programs for midwives and community health workers, upgrading primary healthcare centers, and fostering community trust in public health systems. “We cannot afford to lose more women and children to preventable causes. This partnership is a game-changer,” the commissioner noted.
In addition to medical interventions, the initiative will also address socio-cultural barriers that prevent women from accessing healthcare. Local leaders and traditional rulers are being mobilized to support health education efforts and encourage early and regular health check-ups for pregnant women and infants.
As part of its monitoring and evaluation framework, the program will track key health indicators, including antenatal attendance, skilled birth delivery, immunization rates, and maternal health outcomes. Data-driven decisions will be used to adjust strategies in real-time and ensure the most effective allocation of resources.
Experts in public health have lauded the initiative, describing it as a crucial step in reversing negative health trends in Northern Nigeria. They have called for more partnerships between federal and state governments to address systemic challenges in the health sector.
With this renewed commitment and a strategic focus on high-burden areas, the Federal Government and Kaduna State are taking bold steps toward safeguarding the health of women and children, ensuring that every pregnancy and birth has a better chance of a safe outcome.
Source : Swifteradio.com
