By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Wife of Niger state Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago has called on women to visit nearest health facilities within their domain for regular healthcare services as part of measures to promote sound child and maternal health care.
She equally wants wives of the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) Chairmen, female political office holders, women groups, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders to join in creating awareness on the benefits of visiting health facilities for early detection and tackling of health challenges.
The Governor's wife spoke at the official flag off of the 2026 first round June/July Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), organized in collaborations with Development partners and funded by the United States government.
Fatima Umaru Bago however reminded stakeholders that, “Healthcare is a shared responsibility, the government cannot do it alone. We all have a role to play in ensuring that mothers and children receive the care they deserve".
“While I call on nursing mothers and pregnant women across the 25 LGAs to visit healthcare facilities regularly, I urge all of us to become advocates and ambassadors of primary healthcare within our various communities”.
"I am calling on the wives of the 25 Local Government Chairmen, female political leaders, women groups, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to support this awareness and mobilization efforts towards ensuring that no woman or child is left behind".
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana had earlier explained that the health of women and their children is a development in progress.
The Commissioner further pointed out that, “Our determination is to strengthen healthcare delivery, expand access to essential services and improve the quality of life of our people”.
Earlier, Executive Director, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCA), Dr. Junaidu Inuwa said the campaign is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of healthcare reaches all communities across the 25 LGAs in the state.
In their various goodwill messages, WHO and UNICEF represenratives said the strategic interventions and implementation demonstrates Niger state's unwavering commitments towards improving maternal, newborn, and child survival outcomes through the delivery of high-impact, integrated health and nutrition services.
The Chief of Kaduna Field Office, UNICEF, Nigeria, Dr. Gerida Birukila, who spoke on behalf of the partners said, "Together we can build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Niger state where every mother survives and every child thrives”. NNL.