LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- In a renewed push to strengthen maternal healthcare outcomes, the Jigawa State Government has begun the distribution of maternity kits to pregnant women, targeting a reduction in maternal and infant mortality across the state.
The intervention reflects a broader public health strategy focused on safer childbirth and improved postnatal care.
The First Lady of Jigawa State, Hadiza Namadi, unveiled the programme on Monday in Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area, explaining that the initiative was approved by Governor Umar Namadi to address preventable risks associated with pregnancy and delivery. She noted that the kits contain essential items aimed at protecting mothers from infections during and after childbirth.
“The kits will help pregnant women protect themselves from infections during childbirth and postpartum care,” she said, adding that “the kits also will go a long way in ensuring the health and well-being of our mothers.”
Highlighting the importance of maternal health as a core component of public healthcare, Mrs. Namadi stressed the government’s responsibility to safeguard women during pregnancy.
“Every mother matters, and we must do everything to ensure their safety,” she said.
Moving beyond the immediate intervention, the First Lady commended local efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, particularly the construction of a Basic Health Clinic in Sule Tankarkar by the local government chairman, Tasiu Adamu. She described the maternity kit distribution as part of a long-term goal to eliminate maternal deaths in the state.
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“We’re committed to ensuring zero maternal mortality, and this initiative is a step in the right direction,” she stated, while calling on healthcare providers to deliver consistent and high-quality services across all facilities.
Traditional institutions also reinforced the public health message. The Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani, represented by the District Head of Jeke, Muhammad Sani Ibrahim, urged beneficiaries to utilise the kits appropriately and adhere to medical advice.
“This is a noble initiative, and we appreciate the state government for thinking of us,” he said.
He described the programme as essential to protecting women and children, while emphasizing antenatal care attendance and regular prenatal check-ups remain critical to reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Providing data on local implementation, Sule Tankarkar Local Government Chairman Adamu, disclosed that approximately 200 pregnant women selected from 11 wards would benefit from the maternity kits. He added that the council invested more than ₦100 million in healthcare initiatives in the previous year, including training and sponsorship of students in health-related disciplines.
The event also featured the inauguration of a Tsangaya School named after the First Lady, underscoring the administration’s broader social development agenda.
For beneficiaries, the maternity kits have significantly eased the financial burden associated with prenatal care, particularly for low-income households. Several recipients described the support as timely, noting that it allows them to access safer delivery options without added cost.
Community members also praised the state government for prioritising maternal health and taking concrete steps to strengthen healthcare delivery for women across Jigawa.
