Niger First Lady Calls for Action to Reduce Maternal Deaths

Hajia Fatima Bago, the First Lady of Niger State, advocated for the reduction of maternal deaths during the flag-off of the 2026 first round of the Maternal Newborn Child Health Week, which took place in June and July at Tafa Local Government Area. She disclosed that many maternal deaths could be prevented through regular visits to healthcare facilities.

Bago affirmed the government's commitment to establishing quality healthcare facilities for women and children across the state. She urged mothers and pregnant women to visit health centers regularly and called on wives of the 25 local government chairmen, female political leaders, women's groups, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to support awareness mobilization efforts.

Dr. Murtala Bagana, the Commissioner for Health, remarked on the progress in women's and children's health development, while Dr. Junaidu Inuwa, the Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, explained the campaign's goal to ensure healthcare benefits reach communities. Dr. Gerida Birukila from UNICEF Nigeria assured stakeholders of a commitment to improving maternal and newborn child survival outcomes.