Kaduna Government Launches 2025 MNCH Week, Commits to Tackling Maternal, Child Mortality
By: Femi Mustapha
The Kaduna State Government has officially launched the 2025 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCH), reaffirming its strong commitment to protecting the lives of women, newborns, and children throughout the state.
The official launch, held in Igabi Local Government Area, featured Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who emphasized the significance of the week-long campaign. She described it as “a powerful affirmation of our values and a solemn pledge to invest in the most vulnerable, not just with words, but with action.”
Representing Governor Uba Sani CON, Dr. Balarabe noted that this initiative, implemented in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, the Ministry of Health, and various development partners, aims to deliver a comprehensive package of life-saving interventions. These interventions include antenatal care, immunization, vitamin supplementation, health education, malnutrition screening, and nutritional support for mothers and children.
“This is more than just a calendar event; it is a response to an urgent crisis of care, equity, and conscience. Maternal and child deaths are preventable and unacceptable,” she stated.
Dr. Balarabe expressed concern over the high rates of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria and Kaduna State. She referenced alarming figures from the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, which reported 41 neonatal deaths and 110 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births nationwide. Kaduna State’s statistics were equally concerning, with 47 neonatal deaths and 153 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births.
“These are not just statistics; these are lives—our children, our future—taken too soon. We cannot normalize this,” she emphasized.
The Deputy Governor outlined the State Government’s vigorous efforts under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, which include upgrading 255 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Care Level 2, equipped with Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) capabilities, and outfitting 290 PHCs with modern tools. Additionally, over 70,000 vulnerable individuals have been enrolled in the Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme in 2024.
She also noted that Kaduna has emerged as the best in the North West in the PHC Challenge and ranked highly at the national level in tuberculosis control, disease surveillance, and health supply chain management.
However, Dr. Balarabe acknowledged that much work remains to be done, especially given national deficiencies in maternal and child care. She highlighted that only 46% of births are attended by skilled professionals, and 31% of children do not receive vaccinations.
She called for collective responsibility from health workers, community leaders, parents, and development partners, stressing that access to healthcare is not a privilege but a right, and that inaction is not an option.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Professor Dr. Bello Jamoh, disclosed that around 12,000 women and children are targeted for services during the first phase of MNCH Week.
“This week is about delivering life-saving services. Pregnant women will receive antenatal care, health education on hygiene and nutrition, and blood-boosting supplements. Children will be screened for malnutrition and provided with nutritional supplements to enhance their immunity and eye health,” he explained.
He also noted that the inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during this phase represents a significant milestone, as it aims to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer in adulthood.
Prof. Jamoh explained that Igabi Local Government Area was chosen as the launch location due to its large population, extensive land area, and poor health indicators. He emphasized that services would be accessible across all 23 local government areas.
Additionally, the Executive Director of the Hope for Children Initiative (H4CC), Hajiya Hadiza Umar, mentioned that Girl Effect, in collaboration with her organization and the Kaduna State Government, is extending the campaign to Igabi, Kudan, Zaria, Chikun, and Jema’a Local Government Areas.
