On Thursday, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to combating maternal and child mortality across Nigeria. Speaking during a key engagement with traditional rulers in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, she highlighted the importance of targeted health interventions to improve the well-being of women and children in the country.
Grassroots Involvement in Health Challenges
Senator Tinubu emphasized that addressing health challenges, particularly those affecting women and children, requires strong grassroots involvement. She called on traditional monarchs to play a pivotal role in supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative, urging them to raise awareness within their communities about the availability of free healthcare services. These services include critical treatments for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
“We are here to encourage our frontline health workers by providing them with incentives and recognizing the tremendous work they are doing,” Tinubu said. She also underscored the significant impact that well-supported health workers can have on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, which remain high in many regions. Furthermore, the First Lady stressed the ongoing need to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly as mother-to-child transmission rates remain a critical concern.
Traditional Institutions: Key to Success
Senator Tinubu acknowledged that traditional institutions are vital to the success of these health interventions, especially in rural areas where traditional rulers hold significant influence. Their support is crucial in ensuring that information about healthcare services reaches the most remote communities.
Health and Social Welfare Minister’s Update
In a follow-up address, Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, shared progress on health workforce training in the North-East. Over 8,500 frontline health workers have been trained in the region, including 1,300 from Taraba State. Additionally, more than 1,000 health facilities in the North-East, including 170 in Taraba, now receive quarterly disbursements from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
“These are direct efforts by the Federal Government to ensure resources reach the frontlines where services are delivered,” said Professor Pate.
Support from Taraba’s Leadership
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, along with his wife, Agyin Kefas, expressed their gratitude for the First Lady’s visit and the ongoing support extended to the state under the Renewed Hope Initiative. The Governor emphasized the positive impact of these initiatives on the health and well-being of the people in Taraba.
Empowerment for Women in Taraba
As part of her visit, Senator Tinubu presented 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the six North-East states, reinforcing her commitment to improving maternal health. Additionally, she handed over a N50 million cheque aimed at empowering 1,000 women in Taraba, further demonstrating her dedication to uplifting women and families in the region.
The First Lady’s visit is a crucial step in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system and achieving the goal of reducing maternal and child mortality across the country. Through her leadership and collaboration with traditional rulers and health professionals, Senator Tinubu continues to champion health initiatives that directly benefit the most vulnerable populations.
