First Lady Restates Commitment To Reducing Maternal, Child Mortality

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to health interventions aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality across Nigeria.
Urges Taraba monarchs to champion free health programmes

Mrs. Tinubu made this statement in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, during the launch of the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North/East Zone, facilitated by her Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

“We are here to encourage frontline health workers by providing incentives and recognising their efforts.

“When properly supported, we believe maternal and infant mortality rates will decline significantly.

“We are also raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, especially mother-to-child transmission, which remains high,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu also handed over N50 million cheque to the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, to support the empowerment of 1,000 women petty traders in the state.

She noted that the 10,000 professional kits, meant for midwives across the six North East states, would be distributed through the State Primary Healthcare Services.

The First Lady also seized the platform of the launch to appeal to royal fathers in Taraba to encourage the people on the importance of free healthcare services available for them.

Mrs. Tinubu, while briefing members of the Traditional Rulers Council in the state on the purpose of her two-day official visit, said it is important for the people to be aware of the free healthcare services that the government has provided for them.

She spoke about the impact of Syphilis, Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS on Nigerians mostly the women and the importance of accessibility to free test and treatment.

The First Lady urged the traditional rulers to champion these important health causes, reaffirming her strong commitment to the nation’s development.

She also called for increased awareness of health issues, particularly the fight against female genital mutilation, and announced significant funding secured for tuberculosis treatment.

The Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in Taraba, HRH Abbaa Gidda Tafida, the Emir of Muri, appreciated the First Lady and prayed for the success of the programme.

Earlier, Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefaa had welcomed the First Lady to the state and praised her for all the positive impacts she is making in the country.