Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National
Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), highlighted the alarming rates
of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, stating that many women continue to
die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, while a significant
number of children do not survive past their fifth birthday due to preventable
diseases.
Aina made these remarks on Monday in Abuja during a
two-day engagement meeting focused on vaccination, maternal, and child health,
organized by the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development with the support
of the NPHCDA.
He noted that Nigeria is currently facing an intense
transmission of circulating variant poliovirus Type 2, with 70 reported cases
across 46 local government areas in 14 northern states. “Every day,
approximately 2,300 children under five years old and 145 women of childbearing
age die, predominantly in northern Nigeria,” he stated.
Aina emphasized the need for change, calling for
improved access to antenatal care, skilled midwives for childbirth, and
comprehensive vaccination for children as per the national immunization
schedule. “We must work together to ensure that no mother or child is left
behind,” he urged.
He appealed to religious leaders to recommit to the
health of their communities, focusing on eliminating barriers to healthcare
access and building trust between healthcare providers and the public. “Our
collective efforts can create an environment where every Nigerian child is
vaccinated, and every mother receives the necessary care,” he added.
Dr. Aina expressed gratitude to the Sultan of Sokoto,
Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Most Reverend Daniel Okoh for their
efforts in mobilizing traditional and religious leaders to support immunization
and primary healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative of the
World Health Organization, emphasized the importance of partnerships in
achieving universal health coverage, aligning with Nigeria's primary healthcare
approach to ensure equitable health access for all communities.
The Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Saad Abubakar, stressed the
vital role of religious leaders in promoting development, peace, and security
in Nigeria. He acknowledged the Sultan Foundation's efforts in fostering
sustainable development and social cohesion, highlighting its partnerships with
organizations such as UNICEF and the Bill Gates Foundation to enhance
collective impact in addressing health, education, and economic empowerment.
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