The federal government has launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative in Kano to address the alarming rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in the country.
Speaking at the launch, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, represented by Dr Ashiru Adamu Abubakar, emphasized the importance of the initiative in line with present administration’s directive to tackle maternal and child mortality.
The National Coordinator, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, revealed that Nigeria accounts for 20% of the global burden of maternal and child mortality, with Kano State being the most affected.
He noted that the initiative will focus on improving access to quality healthcare facilities, transportation for pregnant women, upgrading care centres, and training healthcare workers.
Kano State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Labaran Yusuf Abubakar, highlighted challenges like zero-dose immunisation and the high prevalence of diphtheria as key factors contributing to the state’s high mortality rates.